Milton Avery Paintings

Milton Avery was an American modern painter known for his lyrical and colorful works. Born on March 7, 1885, in Altmar, New York, Avery moved with his family to Connecticut in his youth. He began his artistic training at the Connecticut League of Art Students in Hartford, and later, he moved to New York City where he attended the School of the Art Society of New York.

Avery was employed in a variety of jobs to support himself, but he continuously focused on developing his art. He married the illustrator Sally Michel in 1926, and she became his essential supporter, both financially and emotionally, allowing him to concentrate fully on painting. Avery's style is characterized by his simplified forms, the use of color as the primary means of expression, and a flattening of space influenced by European modernism, including Fauvism and the work of Henri Matisse, yet he maintained a distinct American sensibility.

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Avery's work gained recognition. He was associated with a group of artists known as the American Scene painters, but his style was unique and did not fit neatly within any one category. Instead, his work bridged the gap between American Scene painting and Abstract Expressionism. Avery was a mentor and influence on younger artists, especially Mark Rothko and Adolph Gottlieb, who were part of a circle of friends that also included Barnett Newman.

During his lifetime, Avery's health was often fragile, and he suffered from several heart attacks. Despite these challenges, he continued to produce a vast body of work, exploring the nuances of color and form. His later works became more abstract and reflected an even greater simplification of form and intensified use of color. Avery died on January 3, 1965, in New York City.

Milton Avery's legacy is that of a pioneer in American modern art who created a bridge between representational art and abstract painting. His work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, and he is celebrated for his influence on the generations of artists who followed him. Avery's unique vision and dedication to his artistic principles have ensured his place in the history of American art.