Artist
PROFILE
JOHN AXTON
J
ohn Axton has enjoyed four decades of artistic and professional success through several stylistic periods, all characterized by winning compositions, impeccable color designs, and virtuosic technical mastery of the oil medium. After earning a degree in commercial graphics and design at Southern Illinois University, Axton enjoyed success in commercial art for a variety of clients including the Illinois State Museum and Mobil Chemical Corporation. Commercial work provided experience in design and self-discipline, but left the artist longing to be unconstrained by someone else’s vision. He transitioned away from commercial art into fine art by painting after-hours long into the night, developing a style of abstraction that allowed him to devote his full attention and skill set to painting.
creative periods in realism, abstraction, minimalism, non-objectivism and abstraction again. His styles have changed over time, but what remains consistent in his work is Axton’s masterful command of composition, color design and technique, along with just enough mystery to reward repeated viewings and tranquil contemplation.
In the 34 years since moving permanently to Santa Fe and being represented by Ventana Fine Art, Axton has followed his own vision and inspiration, moving smoothly through
Museums in New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, Nebraska and New Mexico have acknowledged Axton’s artistry throughout his career, along with an
expanding base of private and corporate collectors. Emotional expressiveness and freedom accompany Axton in his studio. “I tend to be more spontaneous and expressionistic nowadays,” he observes. “My approach is very much to let it happen, to just step through the door and see what’s inside.”
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