John Clayton (painter) facts for kids
John Clayton (1728–1800) was an English painter known for his beautiful still life artworks. He mostly painted pictures of fruit and flowers, using both oil and water-colours.
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From Doctor to Artist
John Clayton grew up in a family from Bush Hill, Edmonton, England. He was first trained to become a doctor, working with a surgeon named Samuel Sharp. However, he found that the medical profession wasn't for him. Instead, he decided to follow his passion for art and became a painter.
What Kind of Art Did He Make?
Clayton specialized in a type of art called still life. This means he painted pictures of objects that don't move, like bowls of fruit, vases of flowers, or other everyday items. He was especially good at painting fruit and flower pieces. Sometimes, he also painted landscapes, which are pictures of natural scenery. He used both oil paints and water-colours for his artworks.
Showing His Work
John Clayton started showing his paintings to the public in 1761. He exhibited his art at the Free Society of Artists in Strand, London. Later, in 1767, he became a member of the Incorporated Society of Artists. This was an important group for artists at the time. He continued to show his paintings with them, sharing his talent with many people.
A Big Fire and Later Life
Clayton lived in a busy area of London called the Piazza, Covent Garden. In March 1769, a terrible fire broke out there. Sadly, this fire destroyed many of Clayton's best paintings. After this big loss, he seemed to stop painting for a while.
He then moved to his brother's house in Enfield, where he got married. In his later years, he enjoyed gardening and playing music. He did exhibit his art again in 1778, showing that his love for painting never fully faded. John Clayton passed away on June 23, 1800, in Enfield, when he was 72 years old. He left behind two sons and one daughter.
