about the artist
Welcome!
I'm John Crum, an expressionist painter out of Hilton Head, in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
My paintings introduce you to a vibrant world of expressionist figures, and gently surreal landscapes.
The coastal landscape here is such a surreal, exhilarating, and beautiful area, so idyllic, awe inspiring, and emotionally supercharged. My gentle surrealism style just happens here. The mystical Spanish moss on the live oaks, surrounded by tropical plants, exotic birds and our very own palmetto trees - all intertwined around glorious sunsets, beautiful beaches, romantic marshes, and rolling waterways. You just can't help but to fall in love.
Art that makes you smile. Infused with endless curiosity and fantasy, my stories spark your imagination and help you break from reality, and sense wonderful feelings of love, peace, and nostalgia. My paintings attempt to create a visually striking and emotionally resonant image. Using bold brushstrokes and bright color, my paintings draw you in so you can feel the free flow of the landscape, and engage on a personal level to uncover and discover the hidden magic.
My collectors are from near and far, including Canada, Australia, South Africa, and England. My paintings connect emotionally, and offer a unique shared perspective*. I create acrylic paintings that seek the beauty and whimsy of the magical world we live in.
I'm John Crum, an expressionist painter out of Hilton Head, in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
My paintings introduce you to a vibrant world of expressionist figures, and gently surreal landscapes.
The coastal landscape here is such a surreal, exhilarating, and beautiful area, so idyllic, awe inspiring, and emotionally supercharged. My gentle surrealism style just happens here. The mystical Spanish moss on the live oaks, surrounded by tropical plants, exotic birds and our very own palmetto trees - all intertwined around glorious sunsets, beautiful beaches, romantic marshes, and rolling waterways. You just can't help but to fall in love.
Art that makes you smile. Infused with endless curiosity and fantasy, my stories spark your imagination and help you break from reality, and sense wonderful feelings of love, peace, and nostalgia. My paintings attempt to create a visually striking and emotionally resonant image. Using bold brushstrokes and bright color, my paintings draw you in so you can feel the free flow of the landscape, and engage on a personal level to uncover and discover the hidden magic.
My collectors are from near and far, including Canada, Australia, South Africa, and England. My paintings connect emotionally, and offer a unique shared perspective*. I create acrylic paintings that seek the beauty and whimsy of the magical world we live in.
*some very kind words...
"His paintings give you a chance to escape in them and get your imagination flowing a bit through his detail and colors and his overall observations... It's all figurative - kind of how you want to see it. He loves to pull at your heartstrings by highlighting those little moments we often let pass." - Ashley M. - Director, MH Gallery
. . .
"Crum is a master of whimsy. Although his paintings start with everyday subjects... Crum is able to invent a curious twist on the ordinary. Each image is capable of taking observers on their own unexpected and sometimes magical journey." - Kristen, Gallery Director
. . .
"If you enjoy a bit of whimsy, you'll want to check out The Gentle Surrealism of J.K.Crum... unlike most pastorals or seascapes, you may just spot an element of surprise or an unexpected twist in his paintings". - Mindy L. - Lowcountry Life
. . .
"I rolled by the paintings of Crum... and enjoyed his kind of whimsical take on life using sailing as his metaphor... you'll enjoy his gentle good humor". - Nancy W. - Art Editor, Island Packet
. . .
"Just thought you should know how much your paintings continue to mean so much to so many." - Maggie.
. . .
"Incredible... Seriously!" - Jean M.
. . .
"Your art reflects your "heart". Thank you for sharing. - KP.
. . .
"It DOES make me smile, thank you!" - Sabine
. . .
"Fascinating artistry, so unique, wonderful style, very imaginative, terrific creations!" - Al B.
. . .
"Your artistic vision shines through in each piece, and it's a delight to see your work resonating with art lovers. We're truly inspired by your talent and creativity. Looking forward to following your journey and witnessing even more of your stunning art. Keep shining!" - A. Studio
. . .
"Your wonderful imagination never fails to amaze me!" - Suzanne
. . .
"Just wanted to tell you that we purchased the "Ball Room" piece on display at the Art Center. It is such a joyful piece that it brings smiles to our faces each and every day. Thankful for your talent" - John
. . .
"Pier Review" now graces a bedroom wall. What a lovely way to wake up, see the sun rise and feel ready to take on the day. Then there's such a peaceful feeling when going to bed and seeing the flowers and the waters and the pier taking me to a relaxing place.
Thank you so much for sharing your God given gifts and allowing us the enjoy the results of your wonderful, unique artistic endeavors!" - Judy
. . .
"Yes, you can let your imagination and brush just flow!" - Lorraine
. . .
"Wonderful, whimsical and thoughtful art. Thank you for sharing your talents" - Pam
. . .
"Huge fan of your work... You are crazy talented and your art really does make me smile." - Stevie
. . .
"John, I love your work and where it is evolving... you continue to outdo yourself. I just can't get over how talented you are, such imagination" - Benton
. . .
"Thanks for making me smile!" - Karen
. . .
"We do enjoy your website and all of your art, it does make one smile. Thank you." - Bob
. . .
"Just love your ideas and how you express them. Thank you." - Ted
. . .
"Wonderful, whimsical and thoughtful art. Thank you for sharing your talents" - Pam P.
. . .
"Just when I thought I had enough of your wonderful paintings, I love "the Community" - Alison, your greatest fan.
. . .
"What I have loved about your painting are the vibrant colors, the simplicity of design and the whimsical theme. When I look at the young girl sitting on the dock, ("More Stars Please") I feel like I'm seeing "myself" blowing the bubbles. It has given me so much pleasure over the years". - Paula
. . .
"Never seen a J.K.Crum that I DIDN'T like!" - Mary K.
. . .
"Love the vibrant colors... but it's almost like there's a line behind this. (Salty Dog) What's the interpretation? I'm sure there's a few. - Lee
. . .
"Wow! I was amazed by the use of your subtractive color mixing, excellent job!" - Supal
. . .
"Congratulations on your amazing work." - Gull
. . .
"I love your paintings! They warm my heart! It is good to lift up our hearts and hands...for the joy and freedoms He gives us! Thank you for sharing your fine work!" - Nancy
"His paintings give you a chance to escape in them and get your imagination flowing a bit through his detail and colors and his overall observations... It's all figurative - kind of how you want to see it. He loves to pull at your heartstrings by highlighting those little moments we often let pass." - Ashley M. - Director, MH Gallery
. . .
"Crum is a master of whimsy. Although his paintings start with everyday subjects... Crum is able to invent a curious twist on the ordinary. Each image is capable of taking observers on their own unexpected and sometimes magical journey." - Kristen, Gallery Director
. . .
"If you enjoy a bit of whimsy, you'll want to check out The Gentle Surrealism of J.K.Crum... unlike most pastorals or seascapes, you may just spot an element of surprise or an unexpected twist in his paintings". - Mindy L. - Lowcountry Life
. . .
"I rolled by the paintings of Crum... and enjoyed his kind of whimsical take on life using sailing as his metaphor... you'll enjoy his gentle good humor". - Nancy W. - Art Editor, Island Packet
. . .
"Just thought you should know how much your paintings continue to mean so much to so many." - Maggie.
. . .
"Incredible... Seriously!" - Jean M.
. . .
"Your art reflects your "heart". Thank you for sharing. - KP.
. . .
"It DOES make me smile, thank you!" - Sabine
. . .
"Fascinating artistry, so unique, wonderful style, very imaginative, terrific creations!" - Al B.
. . .
"Your artistic vision shines through in each piece, and it's a delight to see your work resonating with art lovers. We're truly inspired by your talent and creativity. Looking forward to following your journey and witnessing even more of your stunning art. Keep shining!" - A. Studio
. . .
"Your wonderful imagination never fails to amaze me!" - Suzanne
. . .
"Just wanted to tell you that we purchased the "Ball Room" piece on display at the Art Center. It is such a joyful piece that it brings smiles to our faces each and every day. Thankful for your talent" - John
. . .
"Pier Review" now graces a bedroom wall. What a lovely way to wake up, see the sun rise and feel ready to take on the day. Then there's such a peaceful feeling when going to bed and seeing the flowers and the waters and the pier taking me to a relaxing place.
Thank you so much for sharing your God given gifts and allowing us the enjoy the results of your wonderful, unique artistic endeavors!" - Judy
. . .
"Yes, you can let your imagination and brush just flow!" - Lorraine
. . .
"Wonderful, whimsical and thoughtful art. Thank you for sharing your talents" - Pam
. . .
"Huge fan of your work... You are crazy talented and your art really does make me smile." - Stevie
. . .
"John, I love your work and where it is evolving... you continue to outdo yourself. I just can't get over how talented you are, such imagination" - Benton
. . .
"Thanks for making me smile!" - Karen
. . .
"We do enjoy your website and all of your art, it does make one smile. Thank you." - Bob
. . .
"Just love your ideas and how you express them. Thank you." - Ted
. . .
"Wonderful, whimsical and thoughtful art. Thank you for sharing your talents" - Pam P.
. . .
"Just when I thought I had enough of your wonderful paintings, I love "the Community" - Alison, your greatest fan.
. . .
"What I have loved about your painting are the vibrant colors, the simplicity of design and the whimsical theme. When I look at the young girl sitting on the dock, ("More Stars Please") I feel like I'm seeing "myself" blowing the bubbles. It has given me so much pleasure over the years". - Paula
. . .
"Never seen a J.K.Crum that I DIDN'T like!" - Mary K.
. . .
"Love the vibrant colors... but it's almost like there's a line behind this. (Salty Dog) What's the interpretation? I'm sure there's a few. - Lee
. . .
"Wow! I was amazed by the use of your subtractive color mixing, excellent job!" - Supal
. . .
"Congratulations on your amazing work." - Gull
. . .
"I love your paintings! They warm my heart! It is good to lift up our hearts and hands...for the joy and freedoms He gives us! Thank you for sharing your fine work!" - Nancy
- 2025 Art Beyond Tradition group show @ Coastal Carolina Discovery Museum - August 18 - October 20 - details to come.
- 2025 - The Artist's Gallery at Hilton Head Island Town Hall - Art Beyond Tradition Group Show. Jan/Feb.
- 2024 "Visual Theatrics" - April-June, Art Beyond Tradition - University of South Carolina Performing Arts Center, Beaufort.
- 2024 "Featured Artist" - Pluff Mudd Art Gallery - April.
- 2023 "Art That Makes You Smile" - featured artist The Art League of Hilton Head.
- 2022 "Interpretations" - The Art Beyond Tradition Group - Coastal Discovery Museum, Honey Horn Plantation, Hilton Head Island.
- 2021 "Biennale" - 27th National Juried Show at Art League of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
- 2021 "Art Beyond Tradition Group Show" - Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island.
- 2019 "Island Hop" - Mitchell-Hill Gallery, Charleston, SC.
- 2019 "9X12" - Solo show - Karis Art Gallery, Hilton Head Island.
- 2019 "Art in the City" - Ryan White Wellness Center, Roper St. Francis, Charleston, South Carolina.
- 2019 "Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition", Charleston, SC
- 2018 "Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition", Charleston, SC.
- 2018 "The Locals: Twelve Artists from One Special Place" - Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island.
- 2018 "Collaborative Dreams" Karis Art Gallery, Hilton Head.
- 2017 "Art That Makes You Smile" - Solo Show, The Art League of Hilton Head Island.
- 2017 "Piccolo Spoleto Outdoor Art Exhibition", Charleston, SC.
- 2016 "Invitational Gullah Celebration", Walter Greer Gallery, Hilton Head Island.
- 2016 "St. Simon's Invitational Exhibit" St. Simon's Island, GA.
- 2016 "Gullah Experience Exhibition Invitational" Coastal Discovery Museum.
- 2016 "Art For Charity" group show, Michael Mitchell Gallery, Charleston, SC.
- 2015 "Making Smiles, The Gentle Surrealism of J.K.Crum" - Solo Show, The Art League of Hilton Head Island.
- 2015 "Sailing Among the Clouds" Solo Show, The Gallery in Beaufort.
- 2014 "A Surrealistic Journey" - Picture This Gallery, Hilton Head Island.
- 2014 "The Art of J.K.Crum" - Solo Show, Brewer's Gallery of Beaufort.
recent press
- Donna Ashworth, The Times #1 writer in the UK showcased "The Weight of the World" painting with poem.
- PINK Magazine - April 2023 cover.
- LocalLife April & May issues - Art news
- Lowcountry Weekly cover - April edition.
- Bluffton Sun - April 4th edition.
- Canvas/Rebel Interview, Fall 2022
- VoyageSavannah Interview, Spring 2022.
- LocalLife Magazine - April 2022 issue
- Contributor profile, and illustrated poem using "Swept Away".
- Same Roots Different Barks - December image, Art League of Hilton Head 50th Anniversary Commemorative 2022 Calendar.
- Cultural Affairs - Hilton Head Island.
publications & articles
- 2024 Carolina Arts, April 2024 issue. p37.
- 2024 Lowcountry Weekly Magazine cover - April edition.
- 2024 The Bluffton Sun, Cover and inside article Vol 27, Issue 7.
- 2024 ArtWanted.com - Featured International Artist of the Day - April.
- 2022 Local Life Magazine - April profile article and illustrated poem, pages 20 & 181.
- 2022 VoyageSavannah Magazine interview.
- 2022 Same Roots Different Barks December's image, The Art League of Hilton Head Island 50th Anniversary Commemorative Calendar.
- 2021 In Our Comfort Zone, Art League of Hilton Head Island "Got Art?" annual fund raising auction.
- 2021 The Other Sister's Wine Bar "Wedding Party" on exhibit August, Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island.
- 2021 Anything Goes - Member Show Art League of Hilton Head Island.
- 2021 Lulu's, "Where Roses Run Rampant"exhibited June, Hilton Head Island.
- 2021 The Other Sister's Wine Bar "Viva Sangria (Laughing Lady in Red)" exhibited in May, Shelter Cove, HHI.
- 2021 Exhibition of miniature paintings Pluff Mudd Gallery, Bluffton, South Carolina.
- 2020 Show Judge - Promising Picassos of Island School Council for the Arts, Hilton Head Island.
- 2020 Walmart Community Mural Project - winner, Hilton Head Island.
- 2019 Island School Council for the Arts charity auction "Moonshine" painting.
- 2019 The Bluffton Sun - 9x12 exhibit article.
- 2018 Published "The Book Of Minis" by J.K.Crum - Ltd Edition.
- 2018 Art Market Historic Honey Horn /Coastal Discovery Museum.
- 2017 ARTPOP Winner - Beaufort County ArtPop Street Gallery.
- 2017 Lowcountry Weekly cover.
- 2017 The Bluffton Sun - Art That Makes You Smile article
- 2017 Juried Outdoor Art Exhibition, Old Town Bluffton, SC.
- 2017 Juried Outdoor Art Exhibition, Coastal Carolina Discovery Museum, Honey Horn Art Exhibition 2017.
- 2016 Invitational Honey Horn Art Exhibition, Coastal Discovery Museum.
- 2014 The Galleries Cabarrus Arts Council Juried Show "Comic Relief", Concord, NC.
- 2012 Sea Island Scene of Beaufort cover.
- 2010 Art For Charity - Charleston Scene, Michael Mitchell Gallery.
- 2009 City Guide Arts - Hilton Head Monthly.
- 2008 Pink Magazine cover.
- 2008 Clouds, Earth, & Fire - Hilton Head Monthly Magazine.
- 2008 Artist Portrait - Lowcountry Life, The Island Packet.
- 2008 Art News cover - The Arts Council of Beaufort County.
- 2008 Island Packet - Life On The River, Coastal Discovery Museum.
- 2008 Articulate - Sailing Among the Clouds, a Surreal Voyage by John K. Crum.
- 2007 Artist Portrait - The Island Packet.
- 2007 The Gentle Surrealism of John K. Crum - Fishbone Gallery, Bluffton, SC.
- 2005 The Daufuskie Island Museum Art Show.
- 2005 Artist-In-Residence - The South Carolina State Park Service.
- 2004 Elder Gallery, Charlotte - Ringling Comes To Town, alumni show.
- 2004 An Artist's Touch - Sea Foam, Island Packet.
- 2004 The Repository Page Two Column - Bold Face.
- 2004 Making Smiles – The Gentle Surrealism of J.K.Crum - Art League of Hilton Head.
- 2004 An Eye for History - Visions of Honey Horn - Coastal Discovery Museum, HHI.
- 2004 The Fantastical Paintings of J.K.Crum - Upper King Street Charleston Magazine.
- 2004 Design Walk - Charleston Upper King Street Design Group Featured Artist.
- 2004 Two Views of One Horizon Featured Artist –The Mitchell-Hill Gallery, Charleston.
- 2004 An Evening of the Arts - Island School Council for the Arts.
- 2003 Daufuskie Island - Embarkation Center Exhibition.
- 1969 - Woodstock :) - peace & love