Painter and printmaker Warren Newcombe was primarily a studio executive and special effects designer. Born in Waltham, Massachusetts, he began his arts education at the Boston Normal Art School where his mentor, Joseph de Camp recognized his talent and groomed him as a fine artist. Upon graduation, he taught in local school systems before becoming a magazine and book illustrator. Beginning in 1920, he worked for producer Louis Selznick at his studio in Fort Lee, New Jersey. After leaving Selznick, Newcombe turned his skills as a painter to produce innovative background scenery, called matte painting, combined with live action footage in post-production to effectively create the illusion of another time or place. Newcombe eventually joined the art department at MGM, where he developed and supervised the studio’s matte painting department, working on hundreds of films over the years. The quality of the work produced under his direction won academy awards for him in 1944 and 1947.

All the while, Newcombe continued painting and printmaking, exhibiting throughout the United States. His work found its way into the permanent collections of museums and galleries including the Art institute of Chicago, Library of Congress, Fogg Museum of Harvard University, Pennnsylvania Academy of fine arts, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and many other such institutions. He died at Mexico City, Mexico.