Title is San Jacinto Palms Springs California. Oil on Board. 12" by 16" unframed, 20 1/2" by 16 3/4" framed. John William Hilton (1904 - 1983) was active/lived in California, Hawaii. John Hilton is known for Desert landscape painting, illustration. Although best known as a landscape painter of the American Southwest, John Hilton was a man of multiple talents. Hilton was also a naturalist whose work on desert subjects was incorporated in numerous museum publications, a biologist and botanist whose discoveries led to the naming of species of crabs, ticks, snakes, turtles and cacti in his name, a jewelry designer for the Hollywood elite in the Roaring Twenties, a gemologist of international repute, a southern California desert guide for General Patton, a miner and prospector, the author of several books and a musician whose musical talents allowed him to make a living while he honed his artistic skills. Yet for all of these accomplishments it is his visual interpretations of the Sonoran Desert for which he is still best known. Hilton's love of the desert was apparent in both his writings and paintings. In an essay which appeared in the March 1960 edition of Arizona Highways, Hilton says of the Sonoran Desert "This is my desert! It extends through Arizona, southern California, Nevada, southern Utah, New Mexico and northern Mexico states of Sonora, Chihuaha, Sinaloa and Baja California. . . . It is a land of peace, silence and boundless skies . . . It is as if nature herself set aside these vast areas . . . so that thinking men might have a place where they go to regain their perspective and find themselves and their true meaning." He went on to state that if he was able to share at least a portion of his feelings for his desert, then he would have accomplished what he "set out to do". Ironically enough, this Renaissance man of the desert was born on September 9, 1904 in a sod shack near Carrington, North Dakota. His mother was a North Dakota farm girl and his father was a baker who decided when John was four years old to become a missionary. The family set sail for China and arrived in time to witness the Sun Yat Sen revolution. Hilton later claimed that by the time he was ten he met Chinese bandits and philosophers, traveled the length of the Great Wall of China, crossed the Pacific Ocean four times and visited forty states, Japan, Canada, and Mexico. These early experiences during his formative years helped to create a wanderlust and sense of adventure that never deserted him. Another incident took place shortly after the family's arrival in China that would have a lasting influence on John Hilton's life. Hilton recalled that an elderly Chinese man, who served as the gatekeeper to the Hilton's residence, remarked to Hilton's father that John was "one of the old ones." The gatekeeper went on to explain that young John had lived on earth before and had returned "with much wisdom". Obviously the concept of reincarnation was deeply disturbing to Hilton's devout Christian parents. They asked the gatekeeper not to bring up the subject again. Exactly how impressionable the gatekeeper's observations were on young John is not known. But throughout Hilton's life he maintained a fascination with the occult as well as a deep seated belief that he had led several past lives. Not long after John turned ten the Hilton family returned to the United States. They lived in the Midwest for a few years before moving to Los Angeles. The age of thirteen found John's family living in Redondo Beach, California. He decided to take up gemology after he was thrown out of his high school art class for his portrayal of a fully clothed live model totally in the nude. Although in later years Hilton's recounting of the episode took on a very humorous tone, he also recalled that the art instructor's rebuke was so severe that he couldn't bring himself to paint or draw for several years after the incident. After completing his education at various schools in the Los Angeles area Hilton attended La Verne College. During the summers he worked for the Golden State Gem Company. After his second summer on the job the company offered him full time employment. Hilton later claimed he accepted the offer in small part because of the good pay it offered and in large part because he had just become engaged to his first wife, Eunice. The Golden State Gem Company was one of the largest wholesale jewelry and importing firms on the Pacific coast. Over the next several years Hilton's client's included many of the Hollywood elite. However with the onslaught of the depression the jewelry firm went out of business and Hilton found himself both broke and unemployed at the age of twenty-seven. Hilton recalls going alone on a camping trip in the desert not long afterwards where he lamented his situation: a wife and small son to support, no job, no prospects, and no money. After staring at the clear night sky for hours, he began pounding his fists in the sand and crying. But once drained of his emotions he made a determination: from then on John Hilton would answer to no one but John Hilton. Armed with ten dollars and a burning desire to succeed as an artist Hilton moved his family from Los Angeles to Indio, California. At first he sang and played guitar in local taverns for subsistence. Not long afterwards a friend who owned a date shop in Indio convinced Hilton to open up a rock shop across the street. In between building the rock shop into a curio business and his gigs in local taverns, he painted. Hilton also learned the importance of playing to one's audience as both an entertainer and an artist. He grew a goatee and always dressed in western style clothes complete with a black sombrero. Starting with pastels, then moving on to oils, Hilton felt little but frustration at his artistic efforts during the first several years. Friends began to question him on whether his artistic endeavors were worth the effort. Yet he persisted. His first major influence came from Charles Stafford, a graduate of the Chicago Art Institute who lived and worked at the old Coachella Trading Post. Then Hilton was fortunate enough to come in contact with perhaps the greatest of all desert painters, Maynard Dixon. Dixon was a frequent visitor during those years to the Salton Sea. Impressed with Hilton's intensity and desire, Dixon was soon inviting Hilton to accompany him on sketch trips. Dixon had two profound and lasting effects on Hilton. First, Dixon convinced Hilton to throw away everything he had painted during his first three years, even though some of Hilton's early paintings had won awards at smaller exhibitions and shows. Hilton later remarked that this was important because "art is a continuing process of growth and widening vision." An artist could never progress to the next level if he fell in love with his work. Secondly, Dixon convinced Hilton to throw away his brushes and use a knife. Dixon felt Hilton's images at the time were too precise, almost photographic. Hilton later claimed converting to knife painting was a relatively effortless transition if only because he easily tired of cleaning brushes. He often joked that basic laziness played a large role in his decision to become a knife painter.
John Hilton (American 1904-1983) "The Breath of Spring" oil on masonite painting, signed, mounted in original frame. Signed on label on reverse from Desert Magazine Art Gallery Interior 12" x 16"
John Hilton (American 1904-1983) "Solitude" oil on masonite painting, signed, mounted in original frame. Signed on label on reverse from Desert Magazine Art Gallery Interior 12" x 16"
John William Hilton (1904 - 1983) Desert Sunset Oil on Board. Born in Carrington, North Dakota, John Hilton is known for desert landscape painting as well as scenes with cowboys, horses, and cattle. He was also a poet, musician, geologist, miner, and entertainer. In the 1930s, financially broke, he moved to the desert determined to become a painter and supporting himself as a singer and guitar player. He also operated a curio shop near Indio, California, and from that time lived either in the desert or at Twenty-Nine Palms. Sketching trips with Maynard Dixon, Nicolai Fechin, Jimmy Swinnerton, Orpha Klinker, and Clyde Forsythe influenced his style. He combined a beeswax mixture with his paints that gave his landscapes a special luster. He wrote and illustrated several books including Sonora Sketch Book, 1947, and Hilton Paints the Desert in 1964. His illustrations appeared in the Los Angeles Times and the Saturday Evening Post. He was highly successful financially and was elected to the Grand Central Galleries in New York where he had numerous exhibitions as well as in California. Artist: John William Hilton Title: Desert Sunset Medium: Oil on Board Signature Type: Hand Signed Signature Location: Lower Right Site Measurement: 12" x 16" Keywords: Southwestern, Western Artwork, Art; Ref: BD3057
John William Hilton (1904 - 1983) "Canyon Smoke Tree" Oil on Board. Born in Carrington, North Dakota, John Hilton is known for desert landscape painting as well as scenes with cowboys, horses, and cattle. He was also a poet, musician, geologist, miner, and entertainer. In the 1930s, financially broke, he moved to the desert determined to become a painter and supporting himself as a singer and guitar player. He also operated a curio shop near Indio, California, and from that time lived either in the desert or at Twenty-Nine Palms. Sketching trips with Maynard Dixon, Nicolai Fechin, Jimmy Swinnerton, Orpha Klinker, and Clyde Forsythe influenced his style. He combined a beeswax mixture with his paints that gave his landscapes a special luster. He wrote and illustrated several books including Sonora Sketch Book, 1947, and Hilton Paints the Desert in 1964. His illustrations appeared in the Los Angeles Times and the Saturday Evening Post. He was highly successful financially and was elected to the Grand Central Galleries in New York where he had numerous exhibitions as well as in California. Artist: John William Hilton Title: "Canyon Smoke Tree" Medium: Oil on Board Circa/Year: 1951 Signature Type: Hand Signed Signature Location: Lower Right Site Measurement: 12" x 16" Keywords: Southwestern, Western Artwork, Art; Ref: BD3057
John William Hilton (American, 1904-1983), "Approach of Evening," oil on board, signed lower right, titled verso, board: 12"h x 16"w, overall (with frame): 17"h x 21"w
Large oil on canvas, signed lower right, depicting a fabulous desert scene with yucca trees. Known as a painter of desert landscapes, this piece is outstanding. Mounted in the original gilt frame. Comes with the artist's bio. Size: 24" tall x 36" wide. With frame: 30" x 42". Condition: Excellent.
Oil on board. A beautiful large painting depicting a dirt road next to a mountain landscape. Original frame in tones of gold and silver. Signed lower right by John Hilton, a California artist. Marked on verso with the price at that time: $4,200.00. Condition: Very good. Size: 22" x 30", with frame is 24" x 32".
Signed in the lower right. California desert landscape with purple hue mountains at the horizon. Having a carved wood frame, H 16.5", W 20.5". 199 sales on ArtNet. Provenance: Property of Prominent Collector, Birmingham, Michigan
Signed in the lower right. California desert landscape with mountains in the background. Having a carved wood frame, H 16.5", W 20.25". 199 sales on ArtNet. Provenance: Property of Prominent Collector, Birmingham, Michigan
John William Hilton (1904-1983 American) ''Dos Palomas Springs'' 1935 Oil on Masonite 12''x16'' Image. Signed and dated l.r. Original gilt carved framing 16''x20''. Excellent original condition.
Oil on board. A beautiful large painting depicting a dirt road next to a mountain landscape. Original frame in tones of gold and silver. Signed lower right by John Hilton, a California artist. Marked on verso with the price at that time: $4,200.00. Condition: Very good. Size: 22" x 30", with frame is 24" x 32".
Oil on board, a beautiful large painting of smoke trees and Palos Verdes by desirable California artist John Hilton. Signed lower right. Note: Attached has title notated on the back side, dated August 3, 1974. Sale price $900 at the time. Size: 20" tall x 30" wide. With frame: 28" tall x 39" wide. Condition: Very good. Provenance: Palm Springs estate.
Oil on board, signed lower right, mounted in the original frame. Size: 15.75" tall x 20" wide. With frame: 22" tall x 26" wide. Condition: Very good. Provenance: Palm Springs estate.
John William Hilton (1904-1983) Ke'Anae Moonrise signed 'John W. Hilton' (lower right) and titled (on the presentation plaque) oil on board 12 x 16 in. framed 18 1/2 x 22 1/2 in.
John Hilton (American, 1904-1983), "Ocotillo Time," oil on board, signed lower right, titled verso, gallery label (Grand Central Art Galleries, New York, NY) affixed verso, board: 28.5"h x 40.5"w, overall (with frame): 30.5"h x 42.5"w
John Hilton (American, 1904-1983), "High Tide Ho Nau Nau, Near the City of Refuge, Hawaii," oil on board, signed lower right, signed and titled verso, board: 20"h x 29.75"w, overall (with frame): 28.75"h x 38.5"w
Marjorie Reed (1915-1996) and John W. Hilton (1904-1983) Come and Get It signed and dated 'Marjorie Reed - & / John W. Hilton / 1952' (lower right) and titled and dated again 'March' (on the stretcher bar) oil on canvas 20 x 30 in. framed 24 1/2 x 34 1/2 in.
John William Hilton (American, 1904-1983) Where Time Treads Softly Oil on board Signed and dated John W. Hilton 55 - 92, lower right Titled and dedicated "to my friend Carl Dentzel who got there first," verso. Located "Ruined Portion of San Borjas Mission," verso.
John William Hilton (1904-1983) Desert Trees signed and numbered 'John Hilton / 53-43' (lower right) and numbered '5701' (on the stretcher bar) oil on canvas 16 x 20 in. framed 22 1/2 x 26 1/2 in.
John William Hilton (1904-1983) Dawn of the Primroses signed 'John W. Hilton' (lower right) and titled (on the reverse) oil on board 16 x 20 in. framed 22 x 26 in.
Oil on canvas laid on board. 18" by 24". John William Hilton (1904 - 1983) was active/lived in California, Hawaii. John Hilton is known for Desert landscape painting, illustration. Born in Carrington, North Dakota, John Hilton is known for desert landscape painting as well as scenes with cowboys, horses, and cattle. He was also a poet, musician, geologist, miner, and entertainer. His father was a baker, and the family lived in a shack on a farm. When he was four, he went to China with his mother and father, who became a missionary. There he met Chinese bandits, philosophers, and walked along the Great Wall by the time he was age 10. The family was separated during the Sun Yat Sen revolution, and thinking the father was dead, the mother returned to North Dakota where the father eventually found them. John moved to Los Angeles in 1918 and worked for a gem company, but it folded during the Depression. Then he designed jewelry for Hollywood film stars and sold stones world wide. In the 1930s, financially broke, he moved to the desert determined to become a painter and supporting himself as a singer and guitar player. He also operated a curio shop near Indio, California, and from that time lived either in the desert or at Twenty-Nine Palms. Sketching trips with Maynard Dixon, Nicolai Fechin, Jimmy Swinnerton, Orpha Klinker, and Clyde Forsythe influenced his style. He combined a beeswax mixture with his paints that gave his landscapes a special lustre. He wrote and illustrated several books including Sonora Sketch Book, 1947, and Hilton Paints the Desert in 1964. His illustrations appeared in the Los Angeles Times and the Saturday Evening Post. He was highly successful financially and was elected to the Grand Central Galleries in New York where he had numerous exhibitions as well as in California. Hilton has also painted many landscapes of Hawaii where he had a summer home at Lahaina, Maui.
John Hilton (American, 1904-1983), Untitled (Landscape), oil on canvas board, signed lower right, board: 12"h x 16"w, overall (with frame): 16.5"h x 20.5"w
John Hilton (American, 1904-1983), Untitled (Landscape with Bluff), oil on canvas board, signed lower right, board: 12"h x 16"w, overall (with frame): 16.5"h x 20.5"w
Desert scene with mountains in background, oil on board, pencil-signed lower right John W. Hilton. Although best known as a landscape painter of the American Southwest, John Hilton was a man of multiple talents. Hilton was also a naturalist whose work on desert subjects was incorporated in numerous museum publications, a biologist and botanist whose discoveries led to the naming of species of crabs, ticks, snakes, turtles and cacti in his name, a jewelry designer for the Hollywood elite in the Roaring Twenties, a gemologist of international repute, a southern California desert guide for General Patton, a miner and prospector, the author of several books and a musician whose musical talents allowed him to make a living while he honed his artistic skills. Yet for all of these accomplishments it is his visual interpretations of the Sonoran Desert for which he is still best known. Size: 15 7/8 x 19 7/8 in. Location U RACK
John W. Hilton (1904-1983, Twentynine Palms, CA) Desert landscape, 1949 Oil on canvas Signature and date incised lower right: John W. Hilton 24" H x 36" W
John William Hilton (American, 1904-1983) "Desert Landscape" oil on masonite signed lower right, signed and further inscribed en verso. Framed. 30" x 36", framed 34-3/4" x 40-1/2"
John William Hilton (1904-1983, Twentynine Palms, CA) Two boys at the beach, 1947 Oil on canvas Signed and dated lower right: John W. Hilton 30" H x 40" W
John William Hilton (American, 1904-1983), "Smoke Tree Wash," 1953, oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right, title label affixed verso, canvas: 30"h x 20"h, overall (with frame): 36.5"h x 26.5"w. Provenance: Private Collection (Hollywood, CA).
John W. Hilton (American, 1904-1983) Tahquitz Canyon, 1958 oil on canvas signed John W. Hilton and dated (lower right) 24 x 30 inches Property from Palm Springs Art Museum Sold to Support the Care of Collections and the George Montgomery Fund for Acquisitions Exhibited: Prescott's Phippen Museum of Western Art, Prescott, Arizona, August - November, 1993
John W. Hilton (American, 1904-1983) A Touch of Spring - Indio Mountain, 1949 oil on canvas signed John W. Hilton and dated (lower right) 30 x 40 inches Property from Palm Springs Art Museum Sold to Support the Care of Collections and the George Montgomery Fund for Acquisitions Provenance: Gift of the Christiansen Collection of 20th Century California Art to Palm Springs Art Museum
John W. Hilton (American, 1904-1983) Desert Landscape, 1945 oil on canvas 30 x 40 inches Property from Palm Springs Art Museum Sold to Support the Care of Collections and the George Montgomery Fund for Acquisitions Provenance: Gift of Michael Miller and Chris Shaver to Palm Springs Art Museum
John W. Hilton (American, 1904-1983) Sand Dune Contrasts, 1955 oil on masonite signed John W. Hilton and dated (lower right) 16 x 20 inches Property from Palm Springs Art Museum Sold to Support the Care of Collections and the George Montgomery Fund for Acquisitions Provenance: Gift of the Estate of Dr. Arthur Albert Woodward to Palm Springs Art Museum
John William Hilton (1904-1983, Twentynine Palms, CA) Two boys at the beach, 1947 Oil on canvas Signed and dated lower right: John W. Hilton 30" H x 40" W
