The Formative Years and Academic Path
Born in St. Louis, United States, John Moore began his professional journey as a draftsman and technical illustrator at McDonnell Douglas in 1960. He transitioned to art full-time in 1962, pursuing his studies at Washington University in St. Louis, the Chautauqua Institution, and the Yale University summer program. After enrolling at Yale, he studied under Lennart Anderson, Lester Johnson, Richard Lindner, and Jack Tworkov, eventually earning an MFA in 1968.
Moore’s career in academia was extensive. He served at the Tyler School of Art of Temple University until 1988, when he became the head of graduate painting at Boston University. Later, he was appointed chair of the Department of Fine Arts at the University of Pennsylvania, a role he held until his retirement in 2009. He currently lives and works in Belfast, Maine.
Artistic Focus and Subject Matter
As a contemporary realist painter, Moore’s work has evolved through several distinct thematic stages. His early career focused on spare still lifes of ordinary objects, utilizing them to investigate light, transparency, reflection, color, volume, and perspective. In the late 1970s, his focus expanded into interior and studio views, often incorporating window views of urban scenes to explore the relationship between the observed and the formal.
His mature body of work is characterized by three recurring subjects:
His depictions of industrial sites include locations in Pennsylvania, Boston, St. Louis, and Maine. These works often feature structures such as smokestacks, factories, and aging metal, sometimes juxtaposing industrial elements with natural settings.
Questions & Answers
In which historical period did John Moore work?
John Moore worked in the Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
Where are John Moore's artworks grouped by art movement?
The All Movements page groups John Moore's artworks by art movement.
Where can I see John Moore's artworks in chronological order?
John Moore's artworks can be seen in chronological order on the artist's Artwork Timeline page.
Where are John Moore's artworks grouped by palette?
To find works by John Moore in a specific palette, use the artist's By Palettes page.
