1. Peter Max, Born 1937. Born in Germany Spent time as a child in Shanghai, China Traveled to Tibet, Israel, India, South Africa, Italy, and Paris with his family. Age 16 settled in New York City From childhood he had an interest in Space and American Comic Books which soon became common themes in his art work.

2. In 1960, he opened his studio in New York City. His work was instantly popular, he made album covers, book jackets, and many posters. Peter Max’s art reflected the 1960s culture… Images from fashion magazines, patterns, day glow colors, and high energy.

3. Peter Max’s art work had a huge fan following. It was very commercial, he and his designs were Everywhere! He made personal appearances on TV and in magazines. He even had an airplane special made with his designs.

4. In the 1970’s, Max decided to stop his commercial work and focus on painting. He closed his business and went back to work in the studio, painting images for posters of public events which he found important.

5. In addition to his art, Peter Max is an environmentalist, vegan and defender of human and animal rights. In 2002, Max offered to provide a life of green fields for a cow that escaped from an Ohio slaughterhouse. The cow jumped over a six-foot fence while the slaughterhouse workers were on break and she eluded capture for eleven days. Max donated $180,000 worth of his art to benefit the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, to ensure the cow a long life of peace at a Farm Sanctuary in New York. Max currently lives in New York City with his wife, Mary.

8. Look at the Picture What is the subject? What images did Peter Max use? Describe the Colors. Is this a simple or complex image? How does this work make you feel?

9. The Assignment Create your own Peter Max style poster. Your poster must include: Evidence of Peter Max as inspiration. At least one word artistically included in the bubbly art style. An overall use of bright colors. Bold black outlines to show off the cartoon style.

10. Some important factors to consider when using Peter Max’s art as inspiration…. BRIGHT colors!!! Stylized figures with heavy black comic book lines Organic flowing shapes Stylized letters Sun Rays Stars Clouds Planes Space

16. VIDEO

17. . 7 th grade students created oil pastels works in the style of Peter Max after learning about his work as an artist. Peter Max - German Born, 1937, settled in New York City at the age of 16. From childhood he had an interest in Space and American Comic Books which soon became common themes in his art work. In 1960, he opened his studio in New York City. His work was instantly popular, he made album covers, book jackets, and many posters. Peter Max’s art reflected the 1960s culture… Images from fashion magazines, patterns, day glow colors, and high energy.