That passion, and compassion, gives
John Buxtons historical paintings a strength, even majesty, that his earlier
commercial work may not have possessed. Having received his degree from the Art Center
School in Pasadena, California, he lived in Pennsylvania and illustrated other
peoples work while savoring the history of his home state. But after working with
the book division of The National Geographic Society, it came time to start thinking about
leaving editorial illustration for something more personal. Finally, it was the power of
choosing his own subjects which helped Buxton take the major step into fine art.
"I left the commercial field to paint the history of Western Pennsylvania," he
says. Living there, in the rolling hills, he heard the echo of all that had taken place,
"as it influenced our young America of the 18th century. It happened right here in my
backyard, so to speak." His long developed technique, combined with his renewed
enthusiasm, couldnt help but speak to viewers, for whom he helped make history come
alive. |