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John Ross Palmer

John Ross Palmer

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Latest News

The Many Different Art Styles of John Ross Palmer

November 19, 2020 by John Ross Palmer Leave a Comment

Style Category - Modern Carnivale
Modern Carnivale – John Ross Palmer

We all want to be in style. But it’s hard to know which style we are in. The art world is filled with many different art styles. Most artists specialize in one while experimenting in a couple of others. John Ross Palmer dabbles in more than a dozen.

But even some experienced collectors of Palmer don’t know the depths of his styles. Here is a quick guide to the different art styles of John Ross Palmer. 

Barcelona and Catalan Modernism

Palmer has had the honor and privilege to travel around the world. He has trained with some of the world’s leading painters, including Robert Venosa. Many different cultures influence Palmer, but Barcelona and Carnivale are especially important. 

Catalan modernism developed toward the end of the 19th century. Catalonia was an industrial powerhouse in Spain, but the Industrial Revolution fueled change. Barcelona expanded, adding new neighborhoods in formerly natural areas. 

Architects drew influence from the expansions. They designed their buildings with asymmetrical shapes and curved lines, reminiscent of leaves. They featured floral and natural motifs, creating highly ornate buildings and paintings. 

Palmer’s third self-published book, Seven Years (2005), is a love letter to Catalan modernism. Palmer experiments with movement to invoke the contours of mountain ranges and landscapes. Black and white paints invite the eye to move up and down in a full range of motion across the canvas. 

Carnivale 

Palmer visited Buenos Aires in 2007. While there, he experienced Argentina’s Carnivale. The vitality present in the streets mesmerized him. 

Carnivals the world over fill streets with colors and textures. Many participants wear masks and colorful outfits. As time has gone on, costumes have grown more extravagant. 

Palmer has created two separate styles of Carnivale art. The first is Classic Carnivale. Classic Carnivale uses rigid lines that segment the canvas. Bright reds and frenetic strokes create incredible energy within the frame.

Modern Carnivale is more fluid than Classic Carnivale. Without rigid lines, brush strokes are freer and more animated.

Loops and dashed lines invite the eye toward the center of the canvas. Bright and cool colors combine, creating synergy in the viewer’s eye. 

Equestrian Art Styles

Horses have always fascinated Palmer. As a child, Palmer would go horseback riding with his mom and four siblings. Palmer combines his childhood memories with a rich tradition of horse paintings and photographs. 

Eadweard Muybridge, a pioneer of photography in the nineteenth century, captured sequences of horses in mid-gallop. His work allowed painters to depict the natural gait of the horse. Painters could capture the grace of a horse as it moves through space. 

Palmer focuses on the rapid motion of horses. Sometimes he paints the horses head-on. The horses seem like they are diving through the walls.

Sometimes he paints the horses from the side. The viewer sees their strong legs propelling their riders forward. 

Greek Monoprints

Palmer first traveled to Greece in 2005. He fell in love with the picturesque landscapes, and he has made five return visits. Monoprints have fascinated Palmer since his very first visit.  

Most printmaking allows for multiple originals. You can reprint the image over and over, making adjustments to it. Monoprinting produces only one image, creating a truly unique art piece. 

Monoprinting is great for collage and etchings. It produces an expressive print, rich with colors and textures throughout the canvas. 

Every Palmer monoprint is different. Some feature butterflies and flowers, while others feature abstract designs and special motifs. Palmer prints most monoprints on Fabriano paper, made from resilient white cotton. 

Escapism

If Palmer has a primary art style, it is Escapism. Palmer first began painting in 1998, following the death of his father. He found the process of making art liberating and enlightening. 

Escapism bases itself on the idea that art is healing. Palmer’s earliest expressions of Escapism included a trigger like an arrow. Palmer then surrounded that trigger with pops of color. 

Classic Escapist paintings mimic the healing process. The trigger provides a grounding realism, while the pops of color invoke a new dimension. The viewer sees a bridge between the present and the future. 

Palmer experimented further, developing Modern Escapism. Modern Escapism leaves the realistic motifs behind for free-flowing brush strokes. Dashes collide with loops, and light blues cross over grays and browns. 

Muted Escapism features the free-flowing strokes of Modern Escapism without the bright colors. Blacks, browns, and dark greens take center stage over yellows and oranges. 

Modern Cubism

Cubism emerged in the early 20th century. Pioneered through the works of Pablo Picasso, Cubism breaks up viewpoints. Subjects and objects become broken into geometric forms, calling attention to the surface of the canvas itself. 

Palmer’s latest style is Modern Cubism. Classic Cubism breaks up realistic images into pieces. Modern Cubism breaks up abstract designs into pieces. 

Circles and lines shatter undisturbed patches of color. Triangles intersect over fluid lines and whole ovals. Colors and textures juxtapose in a matter unique to Palmer today. 

The Work of John Ross Palmer

Many people have heard of art styles before. Fewer people are aware of the figures behind those styles. John Ross Palmer is renowned for his ability to work in many different styles.

Catalan Modernism allows Palmer to invoke rolling natural landscapes and motifs. Carnivale provides incredible energy reminiscent of street festivals throughout the world. 

Equestrian paintings recall childhood memories with the grace and speed of horses, and monoprints are personalized works. Escapism asserts resilience during the healing process, while Modern Cubism is a variant of the popular Cubist style. 

Read about the styles, then find the right John Ross Palmer painting for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment, or call us at 713-392-6882. 

Filed Under: Latest News

If You’re A Fan Of The Escapism Movement, You’ll Like John Palmer of Houston Texas

November 19, 2020 by John Ross Palmer Leave a Comment

Escapism John Palmer
Escapism – John Ross Palmer

It’s safe to say that many of us nowadays are suffering from an overdose of reality. People look for a way to disconnect from real life in a hobby or activity that they find comforting. Sound like something you do, but did you know there was an actual word for it? The word you’re looking for is “escapism.” Escapism is a way for people to divert their attention from their daily lives and entrench themselves in entertainment or recreational activities. John Palmer, an artist out of Houston, Texas, has created the escapist art movement as a valuable diversion for artists. 

John’s goal is to crush the stereotype of the struggling artist. He teaches artists to succeed and thrive financially through his Escapist Mentorship Program. Art connoisseurs are able to enjoy and appreciate the paintings that he creates in this specific style.  

To learn more about the escapist art movement, John’s background, and what he’s doing for the growing community of artists, read on.  

The Escapist Movement

The act of escapism has been around for decades, with it going all the way back to the Great Depression. During those times of hardship, people sought out magazines, movies, and radio programs to entertain themselves. 

Escapist art is meant to take the viewer out of their current world and transport them to a place where they can appreciate it. Escapist art suspends a person’s current reality, giving them a safe place to recharge their internal batteries. Art can not only be therapy for the artist but for the viewer as well. 

John Palmer’s Background

Born in 1974 in Houston, John showed a penchant for art from an early age, but also a knack for being a businessman. One of his first businesses was selling sodas out of his bedroom closet to his four siblings for a quarter apiece. Entrepreneurship ran in the Palmer family, with John’s mother Ada running a successful lawn mowing company for many years. 

John didn’t begin focusing on his art career until his father’s death in 1998. John funneled his grief to create abstract art in ways he never had before. Using escapism in his artwork enabled him to process the feelings he had over his father’s unexpected death. 

For the most part, John is a self-taught artist. His more formal education in art took place overseas. John studied at the Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence and under several other artists in Europe. His work has been featured in various publications, galleries, and special collections.

In Houston, John’s work is displayed in the Texas Children’s Hospital, the Jung Center, and his murals are shown in Tony Vallone’s restaurants. His art has also appeared in local magazines, newspapers, and TV. During the course of his professional art career, John has self-published seven art books. He published a book about the escapism art movement called “Escapism” in 2004. 

By purchasing a piece created by John, you’re not just hanging a simple canvas in your home. In every painting John creates, he imbues it with a piece of his spirit. His art styles range from Equestrian to Carnivale, to Landscape, and of course Escapism. 

Escapism is the primary art style John paints in. His paintings are free-flowing, providing healing for not only the artist, but for the viewer as well. John’s escapist paintings have evolved as his own personal style has developed.

Escapist Mentorship Program  

In 2009, John created the Escapist Mentorship Program for local artists to gather and talk, as well as learn how to create a viable business from it. After 2010, the program became more official and artists had to apply to be included. 

Since it began, the program has gained prestige as artists from across the United States and around the world have applied to be a part of it. 

In 2013, John launched the “Refuse to Struggle Campaign,” raising money to construct the art gallery and studio for escapist artists to use. He raised more than $150,000 between private contributions and a public crowdfunding movement on Indiegogo. 

Members of the Escapist Mentorship Program can have their own solo art show night in the gallery. John provides guidance to the budding artists every step of the way on how to create their own art show. 

In 2010, catalogues started being produced that showcased the paintings of artists that have graduated from the mentorship program. It also includes documentation of John’s travel and art created overseas. 

John Palmer’s Art Gallery 

Located in the heart of Houston, John’s art gallery lives in a restored 1930’s bungalow. Expanded to fit the gallery, studio, and private living quarters, the construction crew worked to ensure that the historic bungalow was preserved. 

Construction was completed in 2014 for the ‘Chrysalis,’ the state of the art gallery and studio that was added onto the bungalow. The Chrysalis provides a welcoming space for escapist artists to come and work alongside their mentor. 

John has done the landscaping on the grounds of the property, complete with a bubbling pool, bamboo forest, and garden. Visitors can come to the art gallery by booking a private appointment.  

Come Visit Today 

John Palmer has created a welcoming environment for not only escapist artists to come to hone their craft, but for art lovers to visit as well. Buying a piece of John’s artwork will provide endless amounts of enjoyment to its owner.

If you are interested in visiting the John Palmer Art Gallery or commissioning a painting, please contact us to schedule an appointment. If you’d like to find out more information about the Escapist Mentorship Program, please send us an email or give us a call. 

Filed Under: Latest News

Highlighting a Legacy: American Artist John Ross Palmer

October 2, 2020 by John Ross Palmer Leave a Comment

After achieving their most successful business year in 2019, John Ross Palmer and Ryan Lindsay reflected on their work together in growing Palmer’s career and promulgating the Art Movement of Escapism to international recognition. It had been roughly 10 years since Lindsay left his successful law career to work full-time with Palmer. They decided now was the time to take proactive steps to ensure Palmer’s career was known worldwide. 2020 was going to be the year to bring Palmer’s brand to the next level and secure his legacy as one of the greatest American Artists of our generation.

The Logo

After a recommendation from Lindsay’s trusted friend, Tammi Wallace, they contracted REFUGE Marketing & Consulting to develop a new brand and website at the end of 2019. In January of this year, the journey began. REFUGE brought in Designer Marcie Jones to collaborate. REFUGE felt Jones’ eye and experience would be invaluable to the project.

After gathering a great amount of data, conducting interviews, and having lengthy discussions, the design process began. Several logos were presented but the one that really captivated John and Ryan featured a galloping mustang. It sparked a feeling but wasn’t quite the right fit. It was rough and wild but lacked the refinement and elegance of John Ross Palmer.

Building on that feeling, more refined logos were presented featuring horses and one captured everyone’s attention, the one that would become the new logo. Palmer did think that there was still something missing…aesthetically there was too much solid color. He reached over to the proof and suggested that they add the outline of a bridal. At first, it was met with fierce opposition by Ryan. Lindsay thought that the bridal was symbolic of restraint and inconsistent with Palmer’s message of artist empowerment and freedom. After further thought (and diligent research on the true role of a bridal), Lindsay wholeheartedly welcomed the addition of the bridal to the logo. He knew that it actually symbolized control, precision, and overall professionalism. The design team made the revisions and on March 3, 2020, the new John Ross Palmer brand was officially selected.

John Ross Palmer

John Ross Palmer & His Love of Horses

Palmer’s love and appreciation of the strength and beauty of horses are evident in his artwork, particularly his Equestrian and Equestrian-Escapism Styles. His passion for them began in childhood…and the majestic beasts continue to inspire him with their regal frames and powerful presence. To hear more about Palmer’s love of horses, check out this episode of Exploring Escapism.

Website Design

Now that the brand was secured, the journey began to build upon it and create a new website that captures the essence of John Ross Palmer. The goal was to showcase Palmer’s talent and diverse art styles like never before. The plan was in place…but then the Coronavirus had other ideas.

With the upheaval brought on by COVID-19, the website development was put on pause. A few months later, things settled down a bit and when it became clear that our “new normal” would be around a while, work on the project resumed.

In May, Bogdan and John form Buburuza Productions shot the ambient video that brings the new homepage to life, giving visitors a sneak-peek into John Ross Palmer’s process. Last but definitely not least, the time came to capture the history of Palmer, his collectors, and cataloging and photographing the pieces of artwork for the site. Lindsay worked tirelessly to complete these items with REFUGE’s assistance.

In June, private (safe and distanced) previews of the new logo and site were given to select VIP collectors. Over the course of two weeks, eight separate PowerPoint presentations were delivered by Ryan Lindsay to audiences ranging from one to a maximum of eight persons.  Ryan spoke emotionally about his and Palmer’s journey as business partners since 2009. He told unbelievable stories about how they had survived economic trauma in the past, and, learned from it to keep the business strong during this current turbulent time. We’ll go into that in more detail during next week’s blog entry.

Today’s unveiling of the new brand, logo, and website didn’t just take this past year. It truly is the culmination of twenty-two years of life, love, and hard work. Please enjoy.

Filed Under: Latest News

Construction & Design Inc. will serve as 2019 Corporate Sponsor for John Palmer Art

March 18, 2019 by John Ross Palmer

Construction & Design Inc., a full-service residential and commercial construction company of Houston, Texas, has partnered with Artist John Ross Palmer to become his Heights Art Gallery’s Corporate Sponsor for 2019. The mutually beneficial relationship is a historic repeat of the partnership first forged in 2016. For Palmer, having his gallery regain sponsorship support from a company that delivers state-of-the-art construction services adds tremendous clout to his flourishing career.

Artist John Ross Palmer with Builder Terri Robinson

“I have known John Palmer personally for over 30 years. I was honored to serve as the Builder for his 2008 Art Gallery construction and The Chrysalis addition in 2014,” says Owner, Terri Robinson. “Our sponsorship of his business in 2016 was a massive success.  We gained new clients, leveraged high visibility and took great pleasure in watching his career explode as an artist and accomplished mentor. 2019, the year after his 20th Anniversary Artist celebration, is the perfect time to realign with John and his booming business.”  Palmer explains, “I never expected my friendship with Terri to expand into a successful professional partnership…but thank goodness it did.  Her company’s construction of my Art Gallery and The Chrysalis made it one of the most unique and exquisite art complexes in the United States.  I cannot wait to promote her business and innovative skill set in 2019.”

Construction & Design Inc. was established in 2005.  At the encouragement of customers and subcontractors, the community needed a company to streamline and coordinate all facets of the construction process.  With CDI, Inc., you have one contact. Terri and her team personally oversee all subcontractors to guarantee quality and efficiency.  Just like Palmer, Terri Robinson’s business is driven by top-notch customer service.  Robinson, a native Houstonian just like Palmer, is also inspired by the Artist’s 2019 Charity of the Year, “It’s extremely fitting to sponsor John Palmer Art during this year when he’s supporting Trees of Hope and their efforts to improve the lives of Houstonians that are homeless.  My business is also working tirelessly to build a better community.” For more information, visit CDInctx.com or call 281-766-7722.

John Ross Palmer with the Construction & Design, Inc. Team

For questions about the gallery, Artist John Ross Palmer or the 2019 Corporate Sponsorship by Construction & Design Inc., please contact us at 713-392-6882 or [email protected].

Filed Under: Latest News

Artist John Ross Palmer Lays Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

February 5, 2019 by John Ross Palmer

On Friday, January 18, 2019, at 11:15 a.m. EST, Houston Artist John Ross Palmer had the high honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The philanthropic Eagle Scout joined the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Theresa May and countless United States Presidents in performing the solemn act. The 45-year-old Palmer, who celebrated his twentieth anniversary as a professional artist in 2018 with a Retrospective spanning five days, had twenty-five (25) supporters from around the United States join him to witness the magnificent occasion.

John Ross Palmer Lays Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Palmer’s wreath laying was sponsored by The First Class Club (“FCC”), the elite group of Palmer art collectors that sponsors his annual international trip and art series. Inaugural club members Judy Lindsay of Huntersville, NC and Julio Montano of Houston, TX were in attendance, and, following the ceremony, it was Lindsay that had the pleasure of announcing Palmer’s 2019 destination: Vietnam. Judy Lindsay opened the announcement envelope at the celebratory luncheon hosted by Palmer for all of his supporters in the Cabinet Room of the Old Ebbitt Grill. To date, the FCC has sent Palmer to create art series in Berlin (2010), Dublin (2011), Jerusalem (2012), Sao Paulo (2013), Nice (2014), Port of Spain (2015), Havana (2016), Auckland (2017) and Bogota (2018).

“I have huge respect for our country’s service members and words cannot express my appreciation for those making the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms,” says Palmer. “My career is built upon the freedom of speech that is guaranteed by our Constitution.  As I lay the wreath, I was exuding gratitude for the protections that our soldiers have given to me and millions of Americans.”

Palmer exudes gratitude and respect for fallen soldiers as the Wreath Laying Ceremony concludes with a solemn trumpet solo.

Palmer and his team took painstaking detail to ensure that the ceremony was sufficiently dignified. Renowned floral designer Kevin Aubrey created Palmer’s wreath that masterfully interwove both white roses and an abundance of yellow roses for the fifth generation Texan. The artist donned black leather gloves from Argentina, a custom suit with masterfully fitting black top coat and a black rabbit fur Russian Ushanka hat. Internationally acclaimed artist Elena Sandovici was present to capture the ceremony with her original sketches and watercolors. Documentarians Mike Williams and Evan Hambrick were present to preserve the occasion in film and photos.

John Ross Palmer’s Wreath designed by Kevin Aubrey.

Original Watercolor by Elena Sandovici.

If you have questions about John Ross Palmer or his Wreath Laying Ceremony, please contact us at 713-392-6882 or [email protected].

Filed Under: Latest News

Art Launch & John Ross Palmer Initiate the 2019 Escapist Artists

February 4, 2019 by John Ross Palmer

Art Launch and Palmer proudly announce the members of the 2019 Escapist Mentorship Program: Lindsay Burck (Houston, TX), Matthew Conway (Austin, TX), MoNique LeRoux (Houston, TX) and Cynthia Miller (Houston, TX).

The 2019 Escapists: Cynthia Miller, MoNique LeRoux, Matthew Conway, and Lindsay Burck.

These four dedicated artists were initiated into the 2019 Escapist Class at an exclusive and inspiring ceremony at Palmer’s Houston Heights Gallery on Sunday, January 27th.  The highlight of the Initiation Ceremony was a rousing keynote address by Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia.  The Escapist Artists were picked from dozens of applicants from around the world.  Courageous artists submit a written application with art images and essays to a jury panel, and then, as a Finalist, they present themselves for a panel interview in Palmer’s Heights Gallery.  Non-Houston applicants appear via Skype. Scoring well in the Interview Phase was critical to advancing as 7 Finalists were interviewed with only 4 applicants earning the 2019 Escapist Artist honor.  Panels for scoring are comprised of top Palmer patrons, including Mercedes Harris, Kristin Netherland, Shampa Mukerji, Shubhra Endley, Rosa Pollard, and Susan Catlett. Read all about the history, mission, and goals of this empowering program plus see first-class documentary videos by visiting EscapistProgram.com.

John Ross Palmer, Ryan Lindsay, Cynthia Miller, MoNique LeRoux, Matthew Conway, Lindsay Burck, and Commissioner Adrian Garcia.

“I cannot believe this is the 10th Anniversary of the program!” exclaims Palmer.  “When I initially wanted to help artists share in the success, we met over coffee and took notes in paper journals.  I had no idea the idea would blossom into now having a state-of-the-art artist training ground with the Chrysalis…and fascinating applicants from around the globe.”  The Escapist Mentorship Program, founded in 2009, is now managed and funded by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Art Launch. Palmer and his husband Ryan Lindsay founded Art Launch in 2016.

John Ross Palmer administers “The Pledge of the Escapist” to the 2019 Escapist Artists.

Palmer’s Art Movement of Escapism is aimed to forever destroy the stereotype of the struggling artist.  The only kind in the world, his mentorship program aims to teach artists how to sell on their own and not be tied to the traditional art gallery system.  Artists are in the program for a year, have their own art studios, and work alongside Palmer to learn by example.  Palmer does this as a means of giving back to the art world–it is entirely free for the accepted artists and supported by the generous donors to Art Launch.  The Escapist Artists will look forward to an out-of-this-world black-tie Graduation Gala on Saturday, October 12, 2019.

If you have any questions about Art Launch, Artist John Ross Palmer or his Escapist Mentorship Program (EscapistProgram.com), please contact us at (713) 392-6882 or [email protected].

Filed Under: Latest News

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Recent Posts

  • The Many Different Art Styles of John Ross Palmer
  • If You’re A Fan Of The Escapism Movement, You’ll Like John Palmer of Houston Texas
  • Highlighting a Legacy: American Artist John Ross Palmer
  • Construction & Design Inc. will serve as 2019 Corporate Sponsor for John Palmer Art
  • Artist John Ross Palmer Lays Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

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