Born in Chicago, Symons was initiated into art at the Art Institute of Chicago before travelling to Paris, London and Munich for further study. Upon his return, he worked as a commercial artist while he painted in his spare time with his friend and fellow artist William Wendt. After a brief visit to California in the early 1880s, Symons persuaded Wendt to accompany him to Laguna Beach in 1896. In 1898, the two friends visited England and in 1903, Symons returned to Laguna Beach to become an active member of the art community. For a long time, Symons kept a studio in New York City and another in the Berkshires as well as the one in Laguna Beach.
In 1909, Symons won the Carnegie Prize at the National Academy. The Evans Prize came to him in 1910 and in 1911 he was elected to membership in the National Academy. In 1914, he was commissioned by the Santa Fe Railroad to paint several views of the Grand Canyon to be used in advertising and promotion.GRAND CANYON, a view of the gorge taken from a novel vantage point, is from this group.
Grand Canyon, 47" x 70.5" O/C
Symons' style is solidly Impressionist accentuated by realistic effect of shimmering light. His snowscenes are covered with areas of brilliant white flanked by deep and lively shade. His Laguna scenes are typically rocky shorelines with radiant spans of ocean, portrayed in lively masses of multi-colored brushstrokes.