Graves, Morris (1910-2001), was an American artist who became known for his paintings and water colors that show the influence of Asian mysticism. Graves tended to work in themes and in series, such as his "moonlight paintings" or his "leaf series." He frequently painted pictures of animals, especially birds. Graves was influenced by the American artist Mark Tobey and the Asian philosophy of Zen Buddhism. See Tobey, Mark.
Graves was born on Aug. 8, 1910, in Fox Valley, Oregon. A self-taught artist, he traveled widely and lived chiefly in the American Northwest. Graves's first significant recognition came in 1939 when his work was included in an exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. He died on May 5, 2001.
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