Born in Leadville, Colorado, Herbert E. Thomson served in WWII following graduation from high school. After the war, he attended the University of Denver, earning a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in 1950. He later spent 4 years teaching art in Pueblo at a Junior High School before settling permanently in Estes Park in 1962. In Estes Park, Thomson continued to teach in schools and also served as the camp artist for 14 years at the Y.M.C.A. of the Rockies.