John Andro Avendano (b. 1959)

Seattle-based artist, John André Avendaño was born in Arleta, California in 1959. Visual art is in his DNA – his great uncle was famed Mexican muralist, Jose’ Clemente Orozco (1883-1949). His mother painted and his brothers drew, and so from an early age he has been a focused and prolific artist. Over the course of his professional career, he’s developed a mastery of sculpture, painting, drawing, and printmaking.

For several years Avendano worked under Hal Reed, who learned his techniques by studying under Nicolai Fechen and working at Walt Disney Studios in Los Angeles. Avendano was Hal Reed’s assistant for five years at the Art League of Los Angeles while perfecting his skill of color theory, composition and anatomy. Later, he taught art at the Art League and at several elementary schools in the L.A. area. In 1983 Avendano sold everything he had and left for Paris to study art. He painted, studied and traveled as much as he could while working part-time. He wound up staying in France for three years before returning home.

On his return to California, he met Mr. John Kerr, who, among other things, was a photographer and collector of art. Kerr owned a large piece of property and being so impressed by John and his creativity, gave him a place to stay in exchange for pieces of art. This was a pivotal time in terms of Avendano developing his-own personal style. He started out copying as many artists as he could, referring to this as, “deliberate practice.”…You copy to learn, you copy what you like and you continue until more of yourself comes out. Deliberate practice absorbs you and gives direction to your work.” He also refers to this technique as “synthetic and artistic”. meaning you take a concept that exists and make it into something new which then becomes an artistic original.

In his thirties and forties he traveled several times back to South of France, then expanded his travels to Galapagos Island, Fiji Islands, and Tahitian Island. New culture, music and foods broadened his influences and was expressed in this paintings. His work is deeply influenced by 20th century European Modern and American Abstract Expressionism, and music; and he’s known for an eclectic approach to his practice.

His 2022 solo show, CHAOS IN ORDER, proved to be an artistic breakthrough, altering his painting style, from which THE ALCHEMIST SERIES and several other recent series, have evolved and been met with enthusiastic praise from gallery visitors, fellow painters, and collectors. Many of these most recent paintings integrate Avendano’s drawings, which have been digitally enlarged, printed, augmented with charcoal or paint, and collaged.

The AMERICAS SERIES is the artist’s most recently completed works, reflect his perspective on our nation, art, society, and his place as a Latino in 21st century America.

Avendano lives in Seattle with his wife and muse, Denise, and teaches painting at The Kirkland Arts Center, Kirkland, WA.

The America, Americas Series

For many people around the world the American flag is a symbol of freedom and opportunity; It represents the ideals of democracy, equality, and justice. It is a reminder that anyone can achieve their dreams in the United States, regardless of their national origin, race, or faith. Read more…