"I've never been interested in the panoramic scene as much as I have the little areas-the realms of experience, nature close-up." - John N. Colt

John Colt was born in Madison, Wisconsin on May 25th, 1925 and was surrounded by art at a young age. His father, Arthur Colt, was the founder of Colt School of Art in Madison and taught many summer courses throughout the state of Wisconsin and was a notable early Wisconsin artist. His father helped immerse Colt in art, setting the foundation for his later career. Before going to college, Colt served in the Navy during WWII, working as an electrician. After the service, he returned to his hometown and received both his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. After taking his masters degree, Colt traveled for a year in Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, but eventually returning to Wisconsin.
Colt began teaching in small area schools after graduation, following in his fathers footsteps, then the Layton School of Art, and eventually attaining a post at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee where he taught for 33 years, retiring as Professor Emeritus. To further his professional development, Colt traveled and studied the natural subjects he found there.
John Colt died on April 27th, 1999 in Amherst, Massachusetts.

1 Kohler Foundation
2 Gallery of Wisconsin Art
3 University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
4Wisconsin Academy Review; Warrington Colescott