John Whytock has been a professional artist since 1979. His award-winning fine art has shown in galleries from New York City to San Francisco. He is also a renowned muralist, and has painted murals for hotels, casinos, and private parties throughout the world.
John started his career as a self-taught pen and ink artist. His portfolio then gained him steady work in illustration. In the old-world tradition, John served a seven-year apprenticeship – two years as an in-house illustrator, and five years in a mural studio, becoming principal artist in both establishments. In 1986 he ventured out on his own upon winning a mural competition for Mission San Juan Capistrano. In the competitive world of art in Las Vegas in the 1990’s he was commissioned to complete over 150 custom paintings. He continued to paint and show fine art during this time. In 2011 he began numerous long-term commissions, including The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, and the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum.
Since the beginning of 2018 he has returned his focus to fine art, winning a total of 10 awards during the year, from various organizations including: National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society, Oil Painters of America , and Plein Air Salon Art Competition. His work has been published in Plein Air Magazine, and he was a contributing author for their online publication, Outdoor Painter. John is a member of numerous local and national professional organizations and is proud to be a founding member of Heartland Art Club.
A native of Newport Beach, California, he is now a resident of Springfield, Missouri where he offers classes and workshops in painting and drawing.
“Beauty, like truth, exists. And we, as human beings, have an almost divine capacity to recognize it. Art, for me, is an expression in paint of what my heart feels when my eyes are opened to the vast and amazing splendor of creation. Despite the myriad struggles and changes on the path of a career artist, this one unchanging fact remains: I paint because if I didn't, my heart might explode. When a kindred spirit is touched while viewing my painting and feels that same infilling, that same indescribable longing and appreciation for our marvelous world, I consider that work a success. “
* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 14th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.
