A portrait of Maynard Reece: Colorfully capturing nature’s charm for a century

NEW PROVIDENCE – A living legend will be celebrating his 100th birthday on April 26. Most all of us have taken in the beauty of a Maynard Reece painting sometime in our lives. The talented wildlife artist has always called Iowa home. Born in Arnolds Park in northwestern Iowa, he was surrounded by marshes that would capture the eye of any aspiring artist. Maynard’s father was a Quaker minister, and the family moved often, experiencing the beauty of Iowa all throughout the state. Reece’s roots are tied to Hardin County from the 1930s when the family found their way to New Providence. Relatives still reside in the area, with J L Reece Memorial Park bearing the family name.  

Reece’s life in art began at a very young age. As a young boy he submitted a piece of art to the Iowa State Fair and won a blue ribbon. Once in school he was called into the principal’s office. Reece had rendered a portrait of his teacher, and she did not like that. Many years later as an adult, Reece ran into his principal, and they recalled the incident. The principal shared with him that he thought the teacher’s problem with the painting was that it was too good of a likeness of her. 

Read the full article in the April 21 edition of the Eldora Herald-Ledger.