Artist Statement
The light is beaming. The shadows are stretching. The colors are bold. The wind is lifting. The water is churning. The line is tight. I will paint it.
John’s work is recognized for its high contrasts, frequent use of long shadows, and dynamic compositions. His observations reveal the extraordinary in the commonplace.
“Very fortunate to be along so much waterfront in St Mary’s County, but also aware that so much beauty is happening and being shared by hard working small businesses on the water. It is inspiring visually, but also inspiring because of the elemental nature of working on water.
Visually, it is a rich environment. There is an abundance of high contrast, sharp lighting, and long shadows. Alternatively, there are days where it is a wash of monochromatic tonality.
From a primitive standpoint, there is the constant threat of danger, a hope of reaching into the unknown for sustenance, and a constant motion of damning resistance, or forgiving assistance.
The water can be a setting of epic struggle, a hunt for a thrilling catch, or peace of mind retreat. For a painter, it is a boundless reservoir.
“all the technical aside, it needs to have the feel.”
John was brought up in Stewartstown Pennsylvania, and later Baltimore County Maryland. He began painting at Towson University in the early 2000s. After graduating, John embarked on adventures west to the mountains of Wyoming, and returned to begin a family in the waterfront region of Southern Maryland. He currently lives with his wife and six children in Saint Mary’s County Maryland.