Max Hayslette, born in 1930 in Rupert, West Virginia, studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he was influenced by Alexander Archipenko and Egon Weiner. Known as a romantic artist, Hayslette creates dreamy landscapes that evoke warmth, comfort, and familiarity, transporting viewers to exotic destinations. His work is deeply influenced by Asian art, particularly woodcuts, which inform his approach to composition and abstraction. Hayslette's ability to see and depict the abstract in his subjects is a defining characteristic of his art.
Hayslette often works on-site, taking photos, making sketches, and carefully noting atmospheric color temperatures unique to different regions. His admiration for artists like Franz Kline and Richard Diebenkorn, combined with his extensive travels through Asia, has profoundly shaped his artistic vision. Hayslette's work is featured in over 300 private, corporate, and public collections, including The Rockefeller Foundation and Stanford University. His exhibitions have spanned prestigious venues such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Seattle Art Museum, and Hanson Gallery of Carmel.
