about the artist
"I believe a painting is successful when it makes the viewer stop, take a closer look, and then smile".
As an artist my aim is to develop paintings that resonate to and about our world and the moments affecting our lives. I often use double meanings to create a different message each time the viewer engages. From interesting titles to hidden items within a painting. My goal is to create a break from reality, create a fond memory or experience. I feel a painting should not merely be a visual representation but provoke thoughts, evoke memories, and ignite ideas.
I describe my style as "gently surreal". My message is subtle and may not be immediately apparent. I feel the viewer should be drawn in and come to their own conclusion as to what the painting means. Each painting originates as an image in my mind infused with curiosity and a sprinkle of fantasy. Creating a dreamlike, painterly quality to achieve the desired effect. I begin a painting with a very loose, quick thumbnail sketch. On the canvas I create a bright, loose, negative color under painting. Building layers from wet to dry let's the depth of color show through. As I move closer to the finish, I am in a trance focusing totally on the paint being applied to the canvas. I never tire of this! It's during this time that the progress of the painting sometimes takes a different direction and I'm just along the ride!
"Your art makes me smile" is the most common compliment I receive about my art. This heartwarming feedback fuels my determination to push my creative boundaries and expressing my imagination freely.
Graduating from The Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida, in 1973, I received classical art training from nationally acclaimed instructors and from extremely talented classmates. My art focuses on figures, landscapes, portraiture. My graphic design background drives my layout and dramatic designs. I have been blessed to have been associated with the Arts my entire adult life.
In 2001, I relocated from the picturesque Bay Village, Ohio located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, to the enchanting and surreal Hilton Head Island. Since 2001 I have dedicated my focus to painting, sharing my visions, and stories.
As an artist my aim is to develop paintings that resonate to and about our world and the moments affecting our lives. I often use double meanings to create a different message each time the viewer engages. From interesting titles to hidden items within a painting. My goal is to create a break from reality, create a fond memory or experience. I feel a painting should not merely be a visual representation but provoke thoughts, evoke memories, and ignite ideas.
I describe my style as "gently surreal". My message is subtle and may not be immediately apparent. I feel the viewer should be drawn in and come to their own conclusion as to what the painting means. Each painting originates as an image in my mind infused with curiosity and a sprinkle of fantasy. Creating a dreamlike, painterly quality to achieve the desired effect. I begin a painting with a very loose, quick thumbnail sketch. On the canvas I create a bright, loose, negative color under painting. Building layers from wet to dry let's the depth of color show through. As I move closer to the finish, I am in a trance focusing totally on the paint being applied to the canvas. I never tire of this! It's during this time that the progress of the painting sometimes takes a different direction and I'm just along the ride!
"Your art makes me smile" is the most common compliment I receive about my art. This heartwarming feedback fuels my determination to push my creative boundaries and expressing my imagination freely.
Graduating from The Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida, in 1973, I received classical art training from nationally acclaimed instructors and from extremely talented classmates. My art focuses on figures, landscapes, portraiture. My graphic design background drives my layout and dramatic designs. I have been blessed to have been associated with the Arts my entire adult life.
In 2001, I relocated from the picturesque Bay Village, Ohio located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, to the enchanting and surreal Hilton Head Island. Since 2001 I have dedicated my focus to painting, sharing my visions, and stories.
2022 interview in Voyage Savannah magazine.
Hi John, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I graduated from The Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida in 1973. I received my classical art training from nationally acclaimed instructors and extremely talented fellow artists in figurative, portraiture, landscape, and design. I have been fortunate to enjoy a life-long creative career in the arts.
I strive to develop paintings that speak about the world and the moments that affect our lives and the environment. To capture personal moments that have made a fond memory or lasting imprint in a narrative painting. For me, a painting should evoke thought, awaken a memory, or spark an idea. My subject begins as an observation or in a flash of a moment. Capturing that image and putting the message onto canvas is my most gratifying accomplishment.
“Your art makes me smile” is the most frequent compliment received about my paintings, a loving expression that encourages me to continue to push my limits and express my imagination. My gently surreal, narrative images, (pseudo-naive?) and the whimsy in my art is my attempt to capture special moments in life with a satirical twist.
I paint the images from my mind adding curiosity and fantasy in a dreamlike painterly quality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I worked in a steel mill during the summers. Long hours but the pay was good enough to allow me to totally concentrate on my art during the school year. Upon graduation, before landing my first real job as an advertising illustrator, I freelanced whenever possible - making contacts whiled pushing my artistic boundaries. I would also enter street art fairs, do volunteer murals, and draw caricatures at golf course outings! I spent 10 years in an advertising agency honing my skills in illustration and design. I then relocated to Cleveland into a position in educational book publishing. It was a wonderful experience where I would to meet and work with very talented artists across the country.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a child, I had a very active imagination and loved to draw. I remember winning an all-county school art exhibition in 3rd grade with an ink drawing of a tree. Being an artist has allowed me to continue this path. It is not an easy trip, but is very rewarding emotionally.
I love watching people and getting ideas for my paintings. My early illustration work was very whimsical and was with children’s educational books. The ability to create a simple drawing to communicate an idea or single word carried over into my painting. My work is narrative, taking the viewer on a journey that they can enjoy and discover new meaning with each viewing.
Painting is as exciting for me now as ever, I am more comfortable with where my art is going. Creating my figurative pieces and expressing whimsical ideas while experimenting more with color, design, and techniques. When a piece is finished and works, often with many happy accidents along the way, is very gratifying.
My “gently surreal” landscapes with the elevated islands started in 2007 and are still as thrilling to create as the first.
As an artist, I strive to develop paintings that speak about the world and the moments that affect our lives and the environment – personal moments that have made a fond memory or lasting impression. A painting should evoke thought, awaken a memory, or spark an idea.
My subject begins as an observation or in a moment, capturing that image and putting the message onto canvas is my most gratifying accomplishment.
What makes you happy?
Painting... it's trance-like. The process is so exciting from start to finish. I love the feel and sight of applying paint onto canvas, it's magical.
Getting the viewer to stop, take a look, and then smile is the greatest feeling and compliment.
I am so grateful to be able to work in my studio every day.
press
Donna Ashworth, The Times #1 writer in the UK showcased "The Weight of the World" painting with her 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 was the December image selected for The Art League of Hilton Head Island 50th Anniversary Commemorative 2022 Calendar.
Donna Ashworth, The Times #1 writer in the UK showcased "The Weight of the World" painting with her 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 was the December image selected for The Art League of Hilton Head Island 50th Anniversary Commemorative 2022 Calendar.
some kind words...
"Your ability to orchestrate a serene atmosphere using a calming palette and narrative settings is highly admirable. Please keep creating... your art has the power of captivation and allure." - Al
"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
...
"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
...
"Thanks for making me smile!" - Karen
...
"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
"Your ability to orchestrate a serene atmosphere using a calming palette and narrative settings is highly admirable. Please keep creating... your art has the power of captivation and allure." - Al
"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
...
"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
...
"Thanks for making me smile!" - Karen
...
"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