Josef Johann Mathis (Joe Mathis, 1913 - 2002; Swiss). Color Variations on Blue (Farbspiel auf blauem Grund). Original Mixed Media Gouache on paper. Year: 1996. Hand signed and dated in pencil, lower right. Titled in pencil, lower left. The composition consists of rectangles on blue. Image size 9 x 12 1/2 inches. Framed dimensions approximately 17 1/4 x 20 3/4 inches. This piece has been professionally matted and framed using all new materials. *** This original artwork was part of the artist's personal collection. Josef Johann Mathis (Joe Mathis, 1913 - 2002; Swiss). His artwork and passion for art spans most of a century. Born in 1913, he grew up in Lucerne, Switzerland. He dreamed of being an artist from a young age and started his formal education at the Art Academy in Lucerne (founded in 1877 Lucerne School of Arts and Crafts). After graduating, he studied under well-known artist Christoph Vohdin in Zurich and then moved on to study at the world renowned Acad?mie Julian in Paris (Other well-known students of the Acad?mie Julian include John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, Alphonse Mucha, Frank W. Benson, Felix Vallotton, Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse and Grant Wood among many others). He finished his studies with a period at the Hofer Schule in Berlin. From 1930 - 45 he worked as manager of the advertising and graphics atelier at Brann AG (Later Oscar Weber). Most of the fifty or so posters designed were donated to the Museum Fuer Gestaltung in Basel and Zurich where they serve as valuable teaching tools and collector's items. After WWII, the Swiss news magazine Schweizer illustrierte commissioned him to illustrate important social and political developments (he even received a royal thankful from Queen Elizabeth II for one of his designs). From 1950 - 75 Josef designed and executed more than 80 murals on public and private buildings, churches, schools and private homes throughout Switzerland and Germany. Some of these large-scale murals tower up to three stories. From 1976 until his passing he focused on enhancing people?s lives and collections with masterful original paintings, drawings and prints. In addition to his paintings, drawings, and prints he designed numerous posters and book covers (Including the cover for Irving stones Michelangelo) and even a series of medals for the Swiss National Rifle Association. His 1955 Schweizerische Winterhilfe (Swiss Winter Aid) poster design was award winning and is a collector?s item today. His exhibitions include: 1934 - Art Museum Lucerne, Switzerland which gave him the opportunity to be one of the youngest members (at 24) to be admitted to the prestigious Society of Swiss Painters, Sculptors and Architects (GSMBA); He participated in the post war exhibitions at the Art Museums in Lucerne, Berne, Zurich, Sarnen and Stans, Switzerland; 1969 - Baustelle Atom-Kraftwerk Beznau, Switzerland (exhibition of paintings of the first atomic reactor in Switzerland); 1976 - Bicentennial USA Exhibition, arts club Washington D.C.; 1987 Bildende Kuenstler der Gegenwart (Artists of Today) in Constance Germany; 1991 - 700 Jahre Schweiz in celebrating of Switzerland?s 700th birthday; 2000 - exhibition in Singapore as part of Swiss connections, event organized by the embassy of Switzerland. This artwork is accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity and is Guaranteed as described.