We had the good fortune of connecting with John Aaron and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
With the creation of the coloring books, Color Me Boulder and Color Me Aspen, I’ve been able to create drawing portfolios of historic architecture that folks can interact with. Oddly enough, I learned how to create coloring books from the work I did in the field of animation when I was in Hollywood. Since both animation and coloring book making happens with the same three steps- pencil the image; ink the image and color the image, I realized I already knew how to create a coloring book. Coloring books can, like animation be categorized as now belonging to the genre of the Popular Arts. I believe that one of the focal points of my success is that most of today’s coloring books are computer designs passed off as hand done illustration. They are mostly computer doodles. ALL of my illustrations for the books are done by hand. It’s a dying art. Ask da Vinci. Another aspect is that I take the time to learn as much as I can about the history of each building, its architectural nomenclature, perspectives, materials and stories that make up what we are looking at when we view a particular building. To me the tales of these places and the inhabitants fascinate me; and, as a storyteller, these snippets of history allow for a deeper understanding of what may have transpired within the life of the building. I’ve been told that I pay authentic respect to the cities I’ve done artistic investigations of. Perhaps the authenticity of the work is why these books are so successful. It is also only one phase of the art that I pursue.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After 45 years, they are beginning to say I’m an overnight sensation. 40+ years working in clay; 25 as a illustrator, animator and painter. Was it easy? I gave up the possibility of luxury, security, a home life, a family… all to lean into doing this. Being swept away by the Muse. Armed only with a sense of humor. Viola Frey, the Bay Area sculptor who rose to the top of the ceramic sculpture world and as one of the most important American artists of the 20th century, once told me that “if you really want to take what you’re doing to the top of your profession, you have to decide what you’re willing to give up to do that. And what you need to be willing to give up should be damn near everything! Distractions are the enemies of Focus!” My parents were not supportive to a degree I won’t go into. This career has been a process of sheer will and persistence that borders on the obnoxious. I once made a sculpture titled “If All You Want Is Sunday Painters, Then Pass A Law That Makes It Illegal To Paint Except On Sundays!” I believe greatly in humor in art. Even if it’s snarky. What do I want the world to me remember for? The many hats I wore? The level of dedication? As Sir Lawrence Olivier said, Humor in the face of adversity? I like that!” What do I really want to be remembered for? Being adored by dogs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If we’re around Boulder and Louisville, I’ll take them to the museums, BMoCA ,the Museum of Boulder, the Museum of Modern ARF. Wander around Mapleton Hill and Oldtown Louisville. We’ll drive up into the mountains and hike a trail. Chautauqua is a must as well. The St Julien and the Boulderado. I like cool hotels. If we have the time, a trip to Aspen is always an epic adventure. If they haven’t seen Independence Pass, its a must when it’s open. The Maroon Bells, The Redstone Inn and the Jerome Bar, shows at the Wheeler Opera House and a Roaring Fork River hike when the weather’s warm. Can’t forget the Woody Creek Tavern to drink a toast to Hunter S. Funny you ask this as my work discipline is so intense now, I don’t think that much in these vacationesque terms anymore. I’d rather paint. But fun’s fun…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In my books, I have a page dedicated to thanking all those concerned that is as extensive as the back of a Buffalo Springfield album. Thank you. Gracias. Grazie.

Website: Www.modernarf.smugmug.com

Instagram: Chalk4peace colormeboulder

Facebook: Chalk Peace (John Aaron)

Other: Www.chalk4peace.squarespace.com (Project founder)

Image Credits
Jerry Downs, Jeffrey Riggenbach, Benko Photographics, Denver Art Museum, John Aaron

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