John Grillo

(1915-2016)

Grillo’s abstraction began in the South Seas during WWII and his drawings from the war awarded him the opportunity to be the only student with his own studio at the California School of Fine Arts. Grillo moved to New York and was selected by Hans Hoffman for “New Talent Show” in 1951 and known as one of Hoffman’s best students. According to Susan Landauer, Grillo later influenced Hoffman by his use of squares and abstraction.

About John Grillo

John Grill, a renowned American artist known for his vibrant and energetic paintings that captured the spirit of the post-war-era. His unique creative vision has captivated art enthusiasts worldwide with his distinctive art style. His name is well known in the abstract expressionism circles of the art world.

John Grillo Bio

John Grillo was born in 1917 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He received his fine arts degree at the Hartford School of Fine Arts. In 1944, he joined the navy and served during World War II. While serving he continued his craft of painting. mainly landscapes and topics of daily life. After viewing work by Robert Motherwell he started to experiment with abstract art.

After being discharged from the navy, Grillo moved to San Francisco where he enrolled in the California School of Fine Arts under the G.I. Bill. Though Grillo was only in the Bay area of California for a few years, he is stil considered one of the greatest Abstract Expressionist painters to have emerged from the San Francisco area. After a couple of years, Grillo moved to New York where he was able to study with Hans Hofmann .

John Grillo’s Art

One of the defining features of John Grill’s art is his bold use of color and abstract forms. His paintings often exude a sense of energy and movement, capturing the essence of his vibrant imagination. Grillo’s art has been praised for its ability to convey emotion and energy, with critics often describing his work as “explosive” and “full of motion.”

Today, Grillo’s art continues to be celebrated and recognized for its contribution to the abstract expressionist movement. His bold and dynamic paintings stand as a testament to his talent and vision, reminding us of the enduring power of art to evoke emotion and captivate the imagination.