John Nieto paints icons of the American West in daring colors on larger-than-life canvases. When viewing them, one is not surprised to learn that French Impressionist Henri Matisse and Spanish Cubist Pablo Picasso are among Nieto’s favorite artists. During his youth, Nieto explored their work and that of other 20th century innovators who were members of the Fauves (wild beasts) artistic movement in France.

Nieto’s themes hearken back further, to the American frontier of the 19th century. From the Plains Indian in ceremonial garb to the athletic young warrior with bow-and-arrow, the American Indians on Nieto’s canvases embody endurance. The same toughness is reflected in the images of a buffalo crossing the prairie or the figure of a wolf running, full-speed, toward the viewer.

The classic Western themes are imbued with a modern sensibility, one expressed in fine detail and audacious color. There is energy and surprise in each work.