Description:Lloyd Branson, Artist, was born August 8, 1853 and was laid to rest in Old Gray Cemetery, Knoxville, TN on June 12, 1925. His parents, Enoch and Altimirah Gentry Branson supported his talents by building him a crude studio on the family farm in Union County Tennessee. Encouraged by Dr. John Boyd of Knoxville, Lloyd Branson moved to the studio of Flavius J Fisher at the age of 15 where he studied and worked as an artist. Lloyd graduated from East Tennessee College (renamed the University of Tennessee in 1879) where he continued painting and selling portraits. His first formal art exhibit was held at the East Tennessee Division Fair in 1871. His popularity grew and his portrait business prospered. Lloyd used the proceeds from the sale of his artwork to travel to New York City in the fall of 1873. He enrolled in both the Antique School and the Life School of the National Academy of Design. He studied with classmates Winslow Homer and Louis C. Tiffany, and with local Tennessee artist Gilbert Gaul from 1873 to 1879. His instructors included the talented artists Lemuel Wilmarth, Abbott Thayer, Thomas Anschutz, and Frederic Church. One of many awards, on May 19, 1875, he won first prize at a show at the Antique School of the National Academy of Design for his drawing of a Greek gladiator. The prize included a medal designed by William Barber, director of the US mint in the 1870s. he returned to Knoxville Tennessee where he continued to be known as one of Tennessee’s greatest artists. He mentored and taught many artists, including (Anna) Catherine Wiley and Beauford Delaney. Portraits were in great demand and remained an integral part of Lloyd’s continuing works throughout the turn of the century. John A. Anderson, Branson Art Organization The Art of Lloyd Branson – A Family Connection, 2012
