John Modesitt

Museum of Impressionism

Impressionist oil paintings​

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John Modesitt began his interest in painting as a child when his father purchased for him a watercolor set. John's Father was an avid collector of impressionist paintings and placed them throughout the home. This inspired John to imitate and study the style of the impressionists as early as 12 years old.

He began formal study of art in college under the guidance of Robert Frame. Frame's understanding of Modesitt's work was encouraging. Inspired, John went on to paint outdoors which led him to eventually study and paint in Europe. 
John studied at any museum that held impressionist art. He enhanced his skills by getting permission to copy impressionist paintings by Pissarro, Monet, and Sisley in the Metropolitan Museum of Art while living in New York City. In his early 20's he painted almost exclusively outdoors in the same style and manner of the French Impressionists, taking what he learned and applying it to his own work. 

At 33 years old, John was inspired to paint California. Around that time the deceased Califorina Impressionists works were coming back in vogue. His paintings of Southern California sold extremely well. His work was auctioned by Christies and other auction houses in the secondary market nationally and internationally. 

Later, John began including views of New Mexico and worked on site in places like Canyon de Chelly and Taos. He found his work to be more commercial than he would like despite strong sales and good representation in prominent galleries. He decided, after the late 1990's to focus on what was most meaningful to him. Being financially successful from his art, John and his family visited France every summer and autumn to paint in areas that most artists did not visit.

The Museum of Impressionism has John's most significant work and houses some of his finest works. By no longer needing to cater to the contemporary tastes, John has come full circle to a place where he can produce works that resonate with impressionist lovers from around the world. 

Living in Colorado on the Hermosa Creek, surrounded by mountains, rivers, flowers, and ever changing seasons, John is able to not only have the his personal museum, but is able to paint locally while not in Europe. The museum now houses local scenes as well as paintings from abroad.

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Studio Address:  445 Albrecht Lane Durango CO. 81301

Phone: 858-232-8906

Website: http://www.museumorimpressionism.com

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