“I employ a subject matter that is familiar and express it the way I see it, with vibrant color and assertive line.” - John Nieto
John Nieto (1936–2018) was a groundbreaking American painter whose bold, electric palette and refined draftsmanship redefined contemporary interpretations of Native American and Western subjects.
Rooted in his Hispanic and Indigenous heritage, Nieto approached each canvas with reverence, combining saturated color fields with assertive line to honor the dignity and spirit of his subjects—whether a ceremonial dancer, coyote, or tribal elder.
His work draws from both modernist traditions and ancestral memory, creating imagery that is as emotionally charged as it is visually arresting.
With a career spanning five decades and global recognition—including exhibitions in Paris, Tokyo, and the Oval Office—Nieto’s influence remains enduring. His commitment to cultural storytelling through color and form exemplifies the spirit of Calistoga Contemporary: deeply personal, historically aware, and unapologetically bold.