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Pictured are various paintings by Peter Max, including the Grammy Icon, Love, Statue of Liberty, Hearts, Van Gogh, Cosmic Runner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction poster.
With an interest in astronomy, Max became absorbed in learning about the vastness and wonders of the universe and began to study art and astronomy simultaneously, which is reflected in his art of “The Cosmic ‘60s.” Max then lived in Paris where he took classes at the Louvre. When he moved to New York at age 17, Max began his formal studies at the Art Students League in Manhattan under the tutelage of Frank Reilly, a realistic painter. Reilly’s classmate, turned out to be one of America’s favorite artists – Norman Rockwell. The League is still an institution of which Max speaks highly. While studying, Max had an intense desire to master realism and he spent hours perfecting the skill. During his spare time, he frequented museums to study techniques of the masters. When Max saw the print
industry expand to a four-color web press, he knew he could reproduce his art as posters, which opened a new world of possibilities. Soon, Max’s posters were hanging in college dorms all across America, with several million sold in nine months. His posters were to the ‘60s what MTV was to the early ‘80s – radical, revolutionary and in demand. To the youth of America, the ‘60s was the great American renaissance. The Beatles sang about it in songs like Lucy in the Skies; the musical, Hair was brought to the Broadway stage; and Max, with his signature style, captured its creative spirit. “Pop art was in,” Max told us. “It was a reflection of the times and a reflection of what I learned in art school.” Like the Beatles, Max made his TV debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. He also appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny
Carson and made the cover of Life Magazine with an eight-page feature cover story. Max’s art was so much in sync with the times that it was licensed by 72 corporations, from General Electric clocks to Burlington Mills socks. Today, Max says he built a nice surrounding with about 65 people to meet the demands of his artwork and products. Nonetheless, he is still inspired each time he picks up his brush. When asked about his process, he said, “I don’t know what I’m going to create until the paint hits the canvas.” When asked about future aspirations, he said, “I’m going to keep on going to create the funniest, greatest most unusual stuff in the world.”
Soon, Max’s posters were hanging in college dorms all across America, with several million sold in nine months. His posters were to the ‘60s what MTV was to the early ‘80s – radical, revolutionary and in demand.
His favorite painting? “Every painting is my favorite. It’s exciting because every week there’s something new. Every time I finish a painting, I say, ‘oh my god, wow!’” Advice for children interested
8 Beachwood Buzz n October 2015 8 Beachwood Buzz n October 2015
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