In the process of working with several thousand artists each year, both in the magazine and beyond, as well as dozens and dozens of curators, dealers, collectors, and museum directors, we get several of the same names when we ask, "Who has most influenced contemporary painting?" As well, the back page of each issue of New American Paintings is devoted to a Q&A with that edition's juror, and the same question generally produces very similar results. To really get a sense of who artists and art-savvy readers think is the most influential, we've decided to ask you the same question.

Below is a poll with the 20+ names that come up again and again. Here's where it gets exciting: If you don't find the name of the artist you see as being the most influential, WRITE IT IN. A shortlist of 20 names is only the tip of the iceberg, and by no means comprehensive, so we need your help!

And because painting doesn't exist in a bubble, feel free to write in names of influential sculptors, video artists, photographers, and others who have helped shape contemporary painting as it exists today. From Bacon to Beuys, Warhol to Wyeth, if you don't see it, WRITE IT IN. We'll release the results of the poll next week!  —Evan J. Garza, Editor-at-Large


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