LINCOLN, NE.- The vicissitudes of land and sea have provided rich subject matter for John Walker’s paintings over the past fifteen years. Sheldon Museum of Art at the University of Nebraska presents “John Walker: Moments of Observation,” featuring both large- and small-scale works created by the artist in response to living much of this period on the coast of Maine.

“John Walker has always been a keen observer,” noted Wally Mason, Sheldon’s director and chief curator. “He embraces the essence of all in his path, perceiving what most of us miss and scrutinizing it through dialog with paint and canvas. This exhibition offers us the opportunity to broaden our understanding of the rich tradition of painting by examining the achievement of such an innovative artist.”

On March 5 at 6 p.m., Walker will give a public presentation at Sheldon in which he will discuss his creative process and fascination with the coastline of Maine. Curator and art historian Jennifer Samet will moderate the conversation.

Walker’s contribution to the collective legacy of artists depicting the cold light, diverse terrain, and imposing coastline of Maine is emphasized by a selection of Sheldon-held works by Marsden Hartley, Rockwell Kent, and John Marin, which are installed in a gallery adjacent to “Moments of Observation.” Both exhibitions are on view through July 14.

Walker (b. 1939 Birmingham, England) studied at Birmingham College of Art and La Grande Cheumiere in Paris, and taught at Victoria College of the Arts in Melbourne, Australia, before moving to the United States in 1969. Walker’s successful career was recognized early on, with his role representing England in the 1972 Venice Biennale, and is now evident in the presence of his work in the collections of many major museums around the world. From 1993 to 2015, he served as professor emeritus of art and head of the graduate program in painting at Boston University School of Visual Arts.

Sheldon Museum of Art houses an art collection of international distinction in a landmark Philip Johnson building at 12th and R streets on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The museum is open free to the public seven days a week.