John Nieto: Lifetime Achievement Award

Thursday September 12th

John Nieto was one of America’s most dynamic contemporary artists, concentrating on themes that transcend mere representation. He utilized intense primary colors, applied in bold strokes to give dimension and character to the canvas. In his etchings and drawings, Nieto employed classic linear techniques to create images of great detail and depth. In all of Nieto’s art, sensitivity and respect for his subject were projected.

He concentrated on capturing in his work his unique vision of the subjects he painted on canvases with vibrant, electric hues. The bold imagery of Nieto’s dynamic style is the essence of his art. The artist always tried to evoke a reaction or response from the viewer. His art was a synthesis of his philosophy and his technical versatility, a powerful expression of pride and vitality.

Nieto was and still is unique among contemporary American artists. His personal philosophies were a vital element of his consummate style. Nieto stated, “I employ a subject matter that is familiar and express it the way I see it”. This is accomplished via his use of vibrant color and strong assertive line. The combination of his sensitivity with his technical versatility became the vehicle that allowed him to transcend the ordinary.

After participating in an exhibit at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. John met with President Reagan in the Oval Office of the White House and presented him with the painting “Delegate to the White House”. The painting hung in Washington for the duration of the President’s term in office and now has been included in the presidential library.

Nieto’s distinctive style, combination of subject matter, bold comparisons and searing color, is instantly recognizable and collectors throughout the United States and abroad value and prize his work. He has produced bronze sculptures, etchings, lithographs and silk- screen prints, in addition to drawings in pastel crayons and charcoal.

Each summer he has had an annual exhibition in Santa Fe, NM at Ventana Fine Art and Altamira Fine Art in Jackson Hole, WY.

Sadly, John Nieto passed away on Feb. 9, 2019., at age 69.

Nieto’s work has been featured in scores in solo shows in art galleries nationwide, and won many arts awards in art competitions. He is in the permanent collections of many of the nation’s leading art museums, such as: 

Buffalo Bill Museum/Whitney Gallery of Western Art, Cody, WY
Museum of Contemporary Art, Hot Springs Arkansas
Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville, GA
Jackson Hole Historic Museum, Jackson Hole, WY
The Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin,
New Mexico Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Fe, NM
Denver Art Museum, Denver, CO
The Heard Museum, Contemporary Native American, Phoenix, AZ
Smithsonian Institution “American Indian Contemporary Art” Washington, DC
National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Montclair Art Museum, Montclair, NJ
Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown, NY
Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, WY
Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs, CA