'New Mexico Mission Church', by John B. Aragon, Watercolor Painting on Paper

John B. Aragon's Watercolor Painting on Paper of the exterior of a New Mexico Mission Church measures 10-1/2 x 14-1/2 inches. The matting and framing bring the total dimensions to 17-5/8 x 21-5/8 x 3/4 inches. The watercolor rendering of a mission church is situated in the center of the work. The facade looms large because of the shallow foreground. The bright white of the facade seems to indicate the heat of the afternoon sun. The two towers of the church are mimicked by two green shrubs flanking the entrance to the church. The trees and shrubs are the only life forms present in this arid scene.

John Baptist Aragon was born on July 12, 1930 in Los Angeles, California and passed away on June 21, 2017 - just shy of his 87th birthday. After graduation from Loyola University in 1954 John entered the US Air Force and graduated from the pilot training program. John was an accomplished fighter pilot and a T-33 instructor, and flew the F-86 and F-100 aircrafts. During his service John earned the following commendations: Bronze Star, Bronze Service Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and many others. John achieved rank of Lt. Colonel and retired from the USAF in 1974.
After retiring from the USAF John became a watercolor artist and eventually opened a gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. John was active in many art organizations, including the Santa Fe Society of Artists.