John Levee (1924-2017) was a mixed media constructivist painter, born in the US, who spent most of his adult life in France. He was considered an Abstract Expressionist, and was a peer of Rothko, Stamos and Twombly. He was known for layering cardboard, paper, acrylic and other materials to create images that have extra texture and depth. Levee’s works are found in many prominent museums, particularly in Europe. Levee’s Idea # III, dates 1986, combined paper, acrylic, and gauche on cardboard to create an overlay of colorful angular layers. While similar in technique to his earlier work reflects his interest in bold color contrasts in later years. With a foundation in constructivist techniques the piece reflects the extent to which artists of Levee’s generation were experimenting with multiple new approaches to painting in the mid-20th Century and beyond.