'White Iris' by John Maxon, California Post-Impressionist Landscape, San Jose State University, Mount Madonna

Description

Signed lower right, "Maxon" for John Maxon (American, 20th century) and created circa 1995. Additionally titled, verso, 'White Flower'.
Monotype … more Signed lower right, "Maxon" for John Maxon (American, 20th century) and created circa 1995. Additionally titled, verso, 'White Flower'.
Monotype with additional hand-painted detail.
Sheet dimensions: 25.25 x 20 inches

Coming from a western tradition in Wyoming, John Maxon developed an expansive view of nature and the spiritual essence it imbued. Moving eventually to the San Francisco Bay area, Maxon’s delight in the effects of light and color led him to the decision to become an artist at the young age of 15. His natural ability was encouraged and, at 16, he began figurative art classes with Howard Brodie.

He spent his youthful days painting in the fields behind Stanford University, and was fortunate to be exposed to and to study the works of Nathan Oliviera, Wayne Thiebaud and David Park during those years. He attended San Jose State University, and apprenticed for Sam Richardson and John Battenberg, primarily learning sculpture techniques. It was here that he first witnessed the actual workings of the art world. These great artists, the school of painting, and the movement that was happening in the San Francisco Bay area during the late 60s and early 70s were strong influences to John, and his work began to reflect the style and perceptions of this period.

With Roy DeForest, William T. Wiley, and Wayne Thiebaud in graduate school at the University of California, Davis, John explored many variations of techniques and styles. The exposure to these prominent artists of the period gave John a stronger awareness of the degree of dedication and strength required to make painting a career. It was during this time that John knew that his sole profession would be as an artist, as aside from teaching art occasionally, this has remained his vocation.

The following eight years were spent perfecting his techniques and co-founding Mount Madonna Center for Creative Arts & Sciences, a successful alternative private school in the mountains above Santa Cruz, California. He exhibited in the Bay Area sporadically, but it was not until the early 80s that he began to show his work on a much more serious and wider format. Capturing the eye of many well known corporate and private collectors, his abstract landscapes conveyed a sense of spirit, offering a unique perspective on the patterns and contours of the Earth. His manner is free-flowing, and this is reflected in his paintings. less