Peter Max - A Look at One of America's Most Recognizable Artists

Peter Max - A Look at One of America's Most Recognizable Artists

His work is easily identifiable. From the psychedelic paintings and artwork of the 1960's to his tamer work today, original art by Peter Max is an iconic reference to each changing decade. Peter Max paintings are in high demand and there is no shortage of new, original art available today.

Peter Max was born in Germany in 1937. He had a very adventurous childhood. His family fled to China in 1938, where they lived for ten years. A Chinese nanny actually taught him how to hold and use a paintbrush. His mother encouraged his creative side, often leaving art supplies on the balcony. At the age of 11, the family travelled for 48 days by sea to Africa and settled in Israel, where they would remain for the next two years. Here, he studied under a private art instructor, who helped move his talent into a new level.

By 1953, the family had travelled to Brooklyn, New. He studied at the Art Students League of New York under Frank Reilly. This teacher was very important in Max's art training, as he had attended the same school years earlier with Norman Rockwell.

In 1962, Peter Max started his own studio in Manhattan with Tom Daly. That same year, the Society of Illustrators awarded a gold medal for the album art for Meade Lux Lewis. This decade also brought his love of astronomy into the limelight, and began what many refer to as his "Cosmic 60s" period. Max appeared on the cover of Life magazine in 1969 and also appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

The 1970s brought museum exhibits, stamp designs, and a series of Peter Max paintings dedicated to the Statue of Liberty. He used many different mediums to create his original art, including oils, enamels, watercolors, charcoals, pencils, and finger-paints. He also created a number of original sculpture pieces that are very popular. Recently, he redesigned the NBC peacock, was the official artist of the 1994 World Cup, and created an original painting for a peace treaty signing.

Peter Max has certainly become an icon for pop art and his original art is in high demand. There is no shortage of pieces available today, although the prices can be quite steep if you purchase from a gallery specializing in his work. To find his work at more affordable prices, check out some of the online art brokers, as they often sell his work for much less than retail. A few will also let you make an offer on one of his paintings, which can save you quite a bit, as well.

In closing, if you're looking for a piece of American art history, these original art pieces certainly fit the bill. There is no doubt that is work will continue to grow in value and there is no sign of this artist slowing down anytime soon. If you're looking for a unique expression of the world through an artist's eyes, check out Peter Max.

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