Richard Mayhew, Long Island native and artist whose 'mindscapes' were showcased nationally, dies at 100

Richard Mayhew's work was transcendental. The renowned artist transformed typical landscape paintings into vibrant and colorful masterpieces, which he called "mindscapes."

A master of color, Mayhew's Native American and African American heritage heavily influenced his work and his connection to nature and art, his family said. He died peacefully at his home in Santa Cruz, California, on Sept. 26, at the age of 100.

His work has been showcased in the permanent collections of over 90 public museums and institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Heckscher Museum of Art and Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.

Richard Mayhew was born on April 3, 1924, in Amityville. Whether it was a trip to a Manhattan museum with his mother or browsing his grandmother's architecture magazines, Mayhew developed an interest in art at a young age.

But art took a backseat to war when Mayhew enlisted to fight in World War II. In 1942, Mayhew was one of the first Black cadets accepted into the United States Marine Corps, where he received a special Medal of Honor.

"His experiences during the war broadened his world view and deepened his appreciation for peace and nature, which influenced the emotional depth and introspective qualities found in his artwork," said Mayhew's son, Scott Mayhew, a graphic designer from California.

After the war, Mayhew left Long Island to immerse himself in the vibrant art scene of New York City.

"He sought to engage with other artists, explore new artistic movements, and further develop his unique style in an environment that offered greater opportunities for artistic growth," Scott Mayhew said.

Mayhew studied at the Art Students League of New York and later attended the Brooklyn Museum Art School from 1948 to 1959. He met his first wife Dorothy Zuccarini when the two were aspiring artists. They had two children, a son, Scott, and a daughter, Ina. Zuccarini died in 2015.

According to his children, Mayhew was a loving, supportive and nurturing father.

"He instilled in us the values of creativity, curiosity, and the importance of following one's passion," said Scott Mayhew.

"He encouraged us to explore our interests and provided a home environment rich in artistic and cultural experiences. His warmth, wisdom, and gentle guidance greatly influenced our lives," said Ina Mayhew, a production designer for film and television in New York.

Mayhew's desire to become a painter stemmed from his "profound connection to nature and his rich cultural heritage," his son said.

"He felt compelled to express the emotional and spiritual essence of the landscapes he cherished. Painting allowed him to explore themes of nature, culture, memory, and identity, conveying feelings that transcended words," said Scott Mayhew. "He often reminisced about his childhood on Long Island, where the serene beaches, lush forests, and close-knit community shaped his early years."

Mayhew was renowned for his expressive brushwork, vibrant palette and near-abstract landscapes known as "mindscapes" and "moodscapes." His improvisational works conveyed the emotional essence of the landscape, transcending physical locations.

According to his family, Mayhew's greatest passion was capturing the emotional and spiritual essence of the environment, and "creating works that were not just visual representations but also meditative explorations of color, light, and emotion."

"He was a master of color and form, using them to invite viewers into a contemplative experience," said Ina, who added that her father drew inspiration from various artistic movements and traditions. "His work reflects influences from Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism, particularly in his use of color and expressive style."

Among Mayhew's many accomplishments was helping to found the African American art collective Spiral in New York in 1963 as a way for artists to discuss their experiences during the Civil Rights Movement, and becoming one of the youngest members ever inducted into the National Academy of Design in 1974.

But one of his greatest joys perhaps was teaching. The art educator taught at esteemed institutions such as the Art Students League, Pratt Institute and Pennsylvania State University, where he was a tenured professor until his retirement in 1991.

"He cherished his role as a teacher, finding joy in mentoring young artists, sharing his passion for art, and encouraging students to explore their creativity and develop their unique artistic voices," said Ina Mayhew.

Mayhew continued to paint until the last years of his life at his home in Santa Cruz.

"His long and fulfilling life was dedicated to his art, his family, and his students," said Scott Mayhew. "His legacy continues through his artwork and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable career."

In addition to his two children, Mayhew is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and his granddaughters, Mia and Romy Mayhew. A public celebration of his life and work will be announced in the coming weeks. Additionally, a previously planned exhibition dedicated to Mayhew's watercolors is scheduled to open at Venus Over Manhattan on Nov. 7.