John Karl Claes

John Karl Claes was born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley of California. He completed a B.A. at California State University (Stanislaus) and then earned an M.F.A. in painting and drawing from the University of North Carolina.

Claes’ work is inspired by California’s Central Valley and the surrounding foothills. It combines traditional and abstract styles. It is not straightforward realism; rather it is descriptive, nature-based and primarily formal. The image created is simultaneously abstract and representational, an integrated two-dimensional pattern and an implied three-dimensional space.

John’s work has received numerous awards throughout the United States and is held in collections all over the country. He lives with his wife and son in Turlock, California where he also maintains his studio.