John Buxton
Born 1939 in Oxford, North Carolina; lives in Allison Park, Pennsylvania
DURING HIS CHILDHOOD in North Carolina, Buxton was constantly drawing and was encouraged by his parents. He never considered any other career other than that of producing artwork and paintings. This determination led to a degree in Illustration from the Art Center College of Design of Pasadena, California. Afterward, followed a thirty-one year career as a successful and respected illustrator; receiving many awards and earning honorable recognition along the way. Among his most influential clients was the National Geographic Society. Their constant insistence on accuracy and double checking on everything produced, struck a chord with John. He realized that here was artwork worthy of standing the test of time, and worth that extra effort to produce it.
In the early 1990s his life and career changed from doing illustrations to researching the history that had shaped the very ground on which he now lives… western Pennsylvania. This new obsession led to total involvement in developing paintings that told an accurate story of the 18th century Eastern Woodland Frontier. The story of a developing young nation of European settlers in conflict with many previously established Native Nations. Now, after over twenty-five years of again earning respect and numerous awards, his paintings are used to teach history, to better explain the written word of 18th century lore, and many paintings or reproductions adorn the walls of various museums and historical sites.
Notable Awards and Achievements
2022 Plein Air Salon Competition, January First Place Award
2021 N.O.A.P.S., Best of America Smallworks, Most Original Award
2020 O.P.A., Eastern Show, Award of Excellence
2020 Plein Air Salon Competition, September First Place Award
2019 Oil Painters of America, Fall Online Showcase, First Place Overall
2019 Art Renewal Center, 14th Annual International ARC Salon, American Legacy Fine Arts Award
2019 Plein Air Salon Competition, Dec.-Jan., First Place Overall
2017 Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Quest for the West, Patrons’ Choice Award
2015 Art Renewal Center, 2014–2015 International ARC Salon, Western Art Collector Magazine Award of Excellence
2013 Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Quest for the West, Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award
2009 Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Quest for the West, Patrons’ Choice Award
2005 The Artist’s Magazine, portrait selected for December cover
2005 The Artist’s Magazine Annual Art Competition, First Place Portrait Award
1997 Art in the Mountains, People’s Choice Award for Best Miniature Painting
MEMBERSHIPS
Art Renewal Center, Living Master
FASO Sponsored Artist
Oil Painters of America
Portrait Society of America
Salmagundi Club
Sweet Lucy Society
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
Art of the West Magazine
The Best of Wildlife Art, North Light Books
Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine
National Geographic Society Book Division
PleinAir Magazine
Western Art Collector Magazine
Wildlife Art Magazine
Gallery Representation
Lord Nelson’s Gallery, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania