Born and raised in California’s San Joaquin Valley, John Karl Claes developed a passion for painting in high school. He earned his B.A. at California State University, Stanislaus, and later completed an M.F.A. in painting and drawing at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Since then, he has received numerous awards and exhibited his work in both solo and group shows regionally and nationally.

Claes’ paintings, often centered on the landscapes of the West, are noted for their deep, saturated colors and dramatic skies. Sacramento Bee art critic Victoria Dalkey has described his work as “original” with “somber yet rich tones,” noting its abstract tendencies and color investigations akin to those of Mark Rothko. His paintings convey a moody, gestural presence that captures the raw and romantic essence of the land. His work is represented in galleries throughout the West.

Claes resides in California’s Central Valley with his wife and two sons, where he also maintains his studio.