Jack Laycox (1921-1984)

Jack Laycox was born in Auburn, California in 1921. He studied at the University of California and San Francisco State College. He was a member of the Society of Western Artists. Laycox grew up in Northern California and after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree, took a job producing technical illustrations for the Atomic Energy Commission. During the 1950s and 1960s, he did commercial illustrations for the Donald Art Company. He devoted thirty five years of his time and energies entirely to the development of a natural artistic talent and a professional career in art. The result of that devotion can be seen readily in his superb oil and watercolor paintings. Laycox's paintings are boldly impressionistic and colorful. "La Revue Moderne", Paris art publication, described them as "dynamic, vivid, animated and pulsating .... an exciting experience". Though conceived in boldness and color, the viewer feels the sophisticated balance of his composition, the delight of his interpretation and the excellence of his execution. These impart a feeling of joy and give a lasting satisfaction. The inner emotional content of the paintings, so characteristic of Jack Laycox's work, can be felt alike in his interpretations of the city and the out-of-doors; be it a European street scene, an Oriental Harbor, a Sylvan Forest in New England, or of California's High Sierra.

Throughout his career, Laycox produced fine art watercolor paintings and lectured on art. He  exhibited in American Watercolor Society annuals and was active in regional Northern California art clubs and shows. The artist gained numerous awards and widespread recognition. He lectured frequently and often was asked to serve as an art juror. His works have been exhibited at the New York galleries of the American Watercolor Society, galleries of the Western Artists in San Francisco, The Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose, and The Brooks Memorial Galleries in Memphis, Tennessee. His works have also been exhibited as examples of Contemporary American Art in Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan.