By May Hunter, For Iron County Today
Paintings that take you beyond the factual and into a world of imagination and lasting enjoyment.
Living in different locations gave John a love of travel and the opportunity to observe nature in all its variety. Combined with his admiration for the great illustrators near the end of the illustration era, these experiences marked the beginning of a lifelong journey in art.
After high school, John was accepted into the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles, where he developed the foundational skills in design and painting necessary to become a professional artist. After completing his military obligations, he pursued a career in magazine art direction and created freelance illustrations for philatelic first-day covers commemorating new stamp issues.
Winning first place in the National Forest Service Centennial Stamp Competition was a life-changing achievement that made the first of six trips to Africa possible. These journeys introduced John to a spectacular array of subjects and inspired a new approach to his art. After working primarily in watercolor for many years, he transitioned to oils, believing they were better suited to achieving the effects he envisioned.
“In my new work, I strive for each painting not only to represent the beauty of its subjects, but also to stand on its own as a complete work of art,” John explains. “The viewer can enjoy the piece on many levels, including its interpretation, color, texture, and fresh approach to design.”
Swatsley’s work demonstrates a freedom to bring different species together within a single composition. His imaginative settings invite viewers to participate in the creative process and develop their own interpretations.
In his art, you will sense something of the mystery one feels when standing alone in a quiet corner of creation.
Owning an original work of art means possessing a one-of-a-kind creation while directly supporting the artist’s career. Original art adds personal depth and character to a space because no one else in the world owns that exact piece. Each work carries the artist’s brushstrokes, textures, and the direct energy of personal expression.
Exhibitions
- Coeur d’Alene Art Auction, Reno, Nevada
- Birds in Art, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, Wisconsin
- National Park Academy of the Arts, Jackson, Wyoming
- Wildlife Art Auctions, Christie’s, London
- Salon International, Greenhouse Fine Art, San Antonio, Texas
- 2014 Mountain Oyster Club Contemporary Art Show
Collections and Awards
- Bennington Center for the Arts, Bennington, Vermont
- National Forest Service Centennial Stamp Competition, First Place
- Danbury Public Library, Danbury, Connecticut
- Arts for the Parks, Medal of Merit, 1996 and 1997
- Dines Carlsen Medal of Merit and Solo Show Award, Kent Art Association
Publications
- The Best of Wildlife Art, North Light Books
- Wildlife Art Magazine, 2002 article and cover
- Master Painters of the World, International Artist, June/July 2003
- Sporting Classics Magazine, December 2012
- International Artist Magazine, 2012
Education and Memberships
- ArtCenter College of Design, Los Angeles, California
- Signature Member, American Watercolor Society, New York, New York
- Elected Artist Member, Kent Art Association, Kent, Connecticut
- Professional artwork brings deep emotional, intellectual, and cultural value to our lives, something mass-produced décor simply cannot match.
