John Alexander on Five Decades in the Hamptons, from de Kooning to Bill Murray

Painter John Alexander, now in his 80s, reflects on nearly 50 years in the Hamptons in an interview with his daughter-in-law, CULTURED editor. He first visited in 1976 after Willem de Kooning invited him to Springs following a trip to Houston where Alexander guided de Kooning to the Rothko Chapel. Alexander bought his Amagansett property in 1985, transforming a 1700s barn with a mirrored bathroom into a secluded studio and home. He befriended artists Larry Rivers and John Chamberlain, and writers Kurt Vonnegut, Joseph Heller, and George Plimpton. Through a friend, he hosted Bill Murray in Houston, leading to friendships with Dan Aykroyd and Lorne Michaels. Alexander co-founded a vodka company with Aykroyd, designing its iconic skull bottle. His studio, once unlocked, now faces crowds from the neighboring Stephen Talkhouse bar. He still paints en plein air by his pond, drawing inspiration from local fauna and flora. Alexander also recounts how collectors Steve and Alexandra Cohen bought his work from Marlborough Gallery and commissioned a satirical wedding portrait, which later hung in their home—a coincidence that led to his son Harrison marrying the interviewer.