America saw the emergence of two prominent schools of abstraction, established on the East and West coasts from the late 1930s through the 1970s. On the West Coast, artists like Clifford Still, Mark Rothko, and Richard Diebenkorn led the way in exploring abstraction, paving the path for successors such as Don Totten, who continued this artistic evolution.
Don Totten exhibited a remarkable talent for visual storytelling, creativity, and narrative sensibility from an early age. His formal art education took him to the Otis Art Institute in California, where he delved into color theory, composition, and expressive form.
In the late 1920s, Totten joined the Los Angeles Art Students’ League, where he studied under the mentorship of Stanton Macdonald Wright. Wright's European training and guidance significantly enhanced Totten's technical abilities and color sensitivity. The development of the Synchromism movement by Wright also profoundly influenced Totten, leaving a lasting impact that would resonate throughout his career.
From 1938 to 1940, Totten served as the Director of the League, skillfully navigating the challenges posed by the Great Depression and World War II. His own work is marked by a level of quality, sophistication, and appeal that is truly impressive. A dedicated artist, Totten focused on his craft rather than self-promotion.
At Taylor | Graham, we proudly include Totten alongside notable artists such as Edward Dugmore, John Grillo, John Saccaro, MacDonald-Wright, and Sam Francis.