Jonas Olof Grafström was born on June 11, 1855, in Attmar, Medelpad, Sweden into a well-to-do farming family. His father, C. P. Grafström, was a judge for the district court. As a young boy, Grafström loved to spend time outside, and showed an early artistic talent. His parents sent him to a high school in Näfsta. Grafström’s father wanted him to become a farmer, but he eventually conceded to Grafström’s passion. He allowed him to attend the Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, where the young man studied from 1875 until 1882. At the Academy, he became fast friends with other notable Swedish artists such as Anders Zorn, Richard Berg, and Johan Tirén. After graduating, Grafström traveled around Sweden, painting landscapes and portraits. He studied under Per Daniel Holm, who helped him develop his Romantic style. He received many commissions, one of which, Motif from Kvikkjokk Valley (1882), was purchased by King Oscar II of Sweden.
Grafström immigrated to Portland, Oregon in June of 1886, possibly because of financial reasons. He continued to paint portraits and landscapes influenced by Swedish motifs, but also painted frescoes and religious pieces. During the next few years, he also lived in Spokane, Washington and San Francisco, California. He was awarded medals in several art competitions, and sold many of his paintings in exhibits. From 1893 until 1897, Grafström taught in the art department of Bethany College, Kansas. While there, he primarily painted landscapes.
In the fall of 1897, Grafström left Bethany College to teach at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He became the head of the art department, and remained at the school for twenty-nine years. He was extremely productive while at the college, painting between two and three hundred pieces. Most of these paintings were altarpieces for Augustana Synod churches in the Midwest, but Grafström continued to paint landscapes and portraits, as well as riverscapes. He also found time to give private lessons.
Grafström married Anna Elvira Nelson of Galesburg, Illinois on June 15, 1904. She was also originally from Sweden, and had artistic talent as well. Anna mainly painted china and watercolors. They had two children together. The first, Ruth, was born in 1905, and eventually became a successful illustrator. Her younger sister, Katarina, was born in 1907, and had an artistic proclivity as well.
Grafström’s career at Augustana College was brought to an end in June 1926, when he suffered a heart attack. He decided to retire and moved back to Sweden. Grafström continued to paint in Matfors, Medelpad until his death on March 30, 1933 in Stockholm.
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