Maxwell Mays Paintings

Maxwell Mays (1918-2009) American painter and illustrator. Signed and dated 1975, a framed oil on canvas. This painting captures a lively and nostalgic scene of a carnival featurin...

Maxwell Mays (1918-2009) American painter and illustrator. Signed and dated 1983. This painting titled "Cascade Springs" is an intricate and lively depiction of a bustling Colorado town during its historical boom period. The painting illustrates the vibrant energy of the town with details of trains, trolleys, horse-drawn carriages, and pedestrians in a winter landscape. The scene captures the essence of Victorian and Edwardian architecture alongside the Rockies, representing a mix of rural charm and the burgeoning industrial presence with trains labeled "Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe" and freight cars marked "Rock Island" and "DRG." The composition is filled with movement: people strolling on the sidewalks, horses pulling carts loaded with goods, and trains arriving and departing, indicating a hub of economic and social activity. The detailed rendering of buildings, including "William M. Baxter Hay & Grain" and market scenes, emphasizes the town's industry and commerce. The snowy mountains and rooftops in the background further ground the painting in the Colorado Springs region, showcasing the rugged, wintry landscape that frames the town. The palette of subdued winter tones, combined with bright pops of color in the trains and clothing of the figures, enhances the painting’s nostalgic and whimsical quality typical of Mays' work. The title plaque on the back provides historical context, describing how people came to Colorado Springs for both riches and health, symbolizing a new society born from the merging of the West with industrial advancement. This picturesque narrative combined with Mays’ folk art style makes it a remarkable piece evoking both history and community. Overall, "Cascade Springs" is a celebration of early American life in a rapidly modernizing town, capturing both its charm and progressiveness through Mays' detailed and stylized artistic lens. Dimensions: 45.5"w x 35"h x 1.5"d (sight) Condition: Good. No issues observed. Ready to hang. About the Artist" Maxwell Mays was born in Rhode Island in 1918, and focused his art on celebrating the landscapes of his home state. Known for their birds-eye perspectives and nostalgic style, Mays' prints have appeared multiple times on the cover of Yankee Magazine. His paintings hang in many establishments, including the University of Rhode Island, and are particular favorites of Rhode Island residents. Mays' artwork often depicts scenes from throughout Rhode Island and the surrounding areas of New England but he did produce works depicting communities from across America . Featuring town squares, farm lands, and harbors, Maxwell Mays' prints celebrate the Americana found in small towns. A graduate of RISD, he began painting seriously while serving in the US Air Force in Brazil during WWII. His first one-man commercial show was at the Ferargil Gallery in New York in 1948. In the ensuing years he became notable for a number of highly successful art shows and magazine covers, and was a highly sought-after speaker and storyteller. As a successful businessman, he was Treasurer of Mays Manufacturing Company, a family business until its sale in the mid-1980s. He was Past President and Director Emeritus of the Providence Art...