I can't believe that more people don't know about Maynard Dixon. He was a genius western artist and married to the more famous Dorothea Lange. Yet Dixon's workas shown in this lush documentarydemonstrates that he belongs in the same rank as Remington and Russell. Diane Keaton, who narrates the film, is supposed to be a big Dixon collector as are other celebs like Jack Nicholsen and Steve Martin. Dixon's paintings sell for over a million dollars at auction. You'd think he would be a household word. The documentary vividly portrays both the fascinating man behind the art and gives keen insight into the art itself. I swear that after seeing so much of his amazing landscapes, I see the western skies quite differently!
7 Reviews
A tremendous documentary of a great American artist...
studio49111 April 2009
Perhaps the painter Maynard Dixon is not a household name because, for a time, he endeavored in advertising. Perhaps it was because his most important subject, The West, was considered regional, not taken seriously by the eastern art establishment. No matter. Jayne McKay, the director of "Maynard Dixon – Art and Spirit", has made a documentary that will bring us all current with the rich life and the soul stirring paintings of this great artist.
From his life as a boy on a central California ranch, this documentary tracks Dixon as business and family took him from San Francisco to New York but his will to survive and create always brought him back to the open spaces of the west. Dixon's Art and Spirit were inseparable. He knew what it was to be connected to the earth, as did the native Americans Dixon at times lived amongst. To them, they explained, there is no other way to live, no other way to be alive.
Narrated by Diane Keaton, McKay's skillful handling of meticulous research, interviews and Dixon's gorgeous artwork is backed by John McKuen's beautiful, thoughtful score. "Art and Spirit" brings Maynard Dixon to us in the present and both he and Jayne McKay deserve your attention here.
From his life as a boy on a central California ranch, this documentary tracks Dixon as business and family took him from San Francisco to New York but his will to survive and create always brought him back to the open spaces of the west. Dixon's Art and Spirit were inseparable. He knew what it was to be connected to the earth, as did the native Americans Dixon at times lived amongst. To them, they explained, there is no other way to live, no other way to be alive.
Narrated by Diane Keaton, McKay's skillful handling of meticulous research, interviews and Dixon's gorgeous artwork is backed by John McKuen's beautiful, thoughtful score. "Art and Spirit" brings Maynard Dixon to us in the present and both he and Jayne McKay deserve your attention here.
Moving and thoughtful documentary about a great artist.
englefilms1 May 2015
Jayne McKay has crafted a moving and thoughtful documentary about Maynard Dixon, one of the great 20th Century artists of the American Southwest. Dixon's work - be it his bold, impressionistic paintings, his commercial illustrations, his drawings and murals - is invariably beautiful and deeply personal, yet also timeless. The films details his life and creative process, but also sets him in various periods of broader interest, such as Bohemian San Francisco of the 1900s, the devastating earthquake of 1906, and the Great Depression of the 1930s, as he wandered and painted across the West. Many other individuals factor in Dixon's tale, including his several wives and time with famed still photographer Dorothea Lange. McKay's film is beautifully narrated by Diane Keaton and it features a haunting score by John McEuen, which make the period and Dixon's work come alive for the viewer. A rich and satisfying portrait of a great artist.
Beautiful Film
nbarber-125 July 2019
Maynard Dixon: Art and Spirit is a beautiful film from beginning to end. Just to be able to sit and gaze at his drawings, paintings and especially clouds is a treat in itself. The way the narration is written is lovely and poetic and the way it is read by Diane Keaton is refreshing with a light touch but still getting to all the emotions. The film moves along nicely but gives you enough time to let it all sink in. In addition, there is an incredible score by John McEuen that changes along with Maynard's life. The music is present and great to listen to but not obtrusive. Topping it all off are some interesting characters (though no one could be as interesting as Maynard himself) and some great archival footage. Kudos to Jayne McKay for bringing all these different pieces together and creating something really special.
Yeah ! - a great artist bio pic
P_Hershey10 May 2008
Loved this film...finally, a bio pic on the Western Artist Maynard Dixon. So little is publicly known about MD's early life in "Gay" 1890s San Francisco, his friends and cohorts --- THE COPPANS!!! Then something on MD and Dorothea Lange and then more on his art. Yeah! A great movie for folks interested in Western Art, West Coast early 20th C life.
Narration by Diane Keaton - lovely voice...she should do more voice work (lovely to look at but a dream to listen to...Michael Corleone, you let her get away?!) Get a copy, buy a copy, give a copy to your school! And it hasn't even been on Cable yet? What are they waiting for - Lesser Content? Aim higher...put this film on.
Why 9 vs. 10? (Bo Derek wasn't in it. But seriously, no film rates a 10 - ever.)
Narration by Diane Keaton - lovely voice...she should do more voice work (lovely to look at but a dream to listen to...Michael Corleone, you let her get away?!) Get a copy, buy a copy, give a copy to your school! And it hasn't even been on Cable yet? What are they waiting for - Lesser Content? Aim higher...put this film on.
Why 9 vs. 10? (Bo Derek wasn't in it. But seriously, no film rates a 10 - ever.)
Maynard Dixon: Art and Spirit
lisarutledge2 April 2008
This is the first film of Jayne McKays I had seen. This documentary on the work and life of Maynard Dixon was not only illuminating, I felt as if I had been transported to the American Southwest and could almost walk around in the Dixon landscape.
The work of Dixon is fascinating and visceral and combined with the superb narration by Dianne Keaton and music of John McEuen allowing the lush imagery to wash over my eyes was just a treat. It's more than educational or an art history lesson, it treats all the senses and was like taking a little holiday. I felt revitalised.
The film is important in that it introduces us to a master of American painting who is perhaps not known as well as the work and man deserves.
The work of Dixon is fascinating and visceral and combined with the superb narration by Dianne Keaton and music of John McEuen allowing the lush imagery to wash over my eyes was just a treat. It's more than educational or an art history lesson, it treats all the senses and was like taking a little holiday. I felt revitalised.
The film is important in that it introduces us to a master of American painting who is perhaps not known as well as the work and man deserves.
A Real Find
AnneONealFilms22 May 2011
I thought this documentary was great. I frequent museums and live in the Southwest US, but only had a cursory awareness of Maynard Dixon. The filmmaker brought his work to life for me, and I now I seek out his paintings. Ms. McKay opened a door onto Dixon's world, his complex and fascinating personal life, and really brought his art into focus for me. The reproductions of his works are first rate. Seeing so many wonderful works of art and understanding the context in which many of the paintings were created made me feel a real connection to the artist. Excellent narration and visuals make this a stunning documentary - not just for the art lover, but also for anyone who enjoys beautiful visuals and a compelling human story.
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