Agustin Ansa Mugica

Spanish, 1909 - 1989. Agustin Ansa Mugica was a painter and drawing artist. The artist was born on September 30, 1909, in San Sebastián in Spain. The painter was inclined towards watercolor painting and drawing from an early age. In 1926, Ansa received a prize at the New Artists from the Gipuzkoa competition. Ansa studied art at the School of Arts and Crafts of San Sebastián under artists Gaspar Montes Iturrioz, Pablo Gargallo, and Ascensio Martiaren, among others. Similar to his inclination to arts, he was also interested in medicine. In 1935 the artist started pursuing medicine. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he made advertising posters for the Exposition of New Artists and the San Sebastián Aquarium. He also made advertisements during 1948 and 1949 for Firestone and Alfa and 1950 for the fiftieth-anniversary celebration of Cementos Rezola.

During 1945 Ansa shifted his focus to watercolors. This shift is prominent through the different versions of the National Watercolour Salon staged in Bilbao, Madrid, Bayonne, and San Sebastián. During this time, the artist alternated between various group shows operating in Spain and other countries. The watercolor artist was also among the founders of the Artistic Association of Gipuzkoa. The Association of Basque Watercolourists, established in 1952 in Bilbao, appointed him as the President of their Gipuzkoan section. The artist also published four books. He also inked illustrations for Vicente Cobreros Uranga's Paseando por la ciudad. Agustin Ansa Mugica was awarded in 1952 at the 2nd edition of the San Sebastián Christmas Competition with the Darío de Regoyos Prize. He also received the Prize of Honour at the 3rd edition in 1953.

From 1975 to 1978, the artist showed at Echeberría art galleries and multiple art expos in San Sebastián. He retired in 1979 and dedicated his time to researching watercolor techniques. Today, Agustin Ansa Mugica's artwork for sale with multiple auction houses. Collectors can find Agustin Ansa Mugica's artwork at online auctions through leading auction platforms.