Fine Art Portfolio

My work as a professional fine artist runs parallel to my illustration and design studio, with each discipline informing and enriching the other. At its heart, my fine art practice is an exploration of visual language. I am fascinated by how materials, composition, and process come together to form a unique and resonant statement.

The creative journey for each piece balances deliberate experimentation with technical precision. I often approach the canvas with a methodical mindset, working through artistic challenges like a series of problems to be solved. This allows me the freedom to explore while maintaining a clear direction for the final work.

I believe in the continuous development of craft. My studio practice is built on consistent observation and skill building. To keep my foundational drawing skills sharp, I regularly participate in figure drawing workshops. This practice is akin to an athlete's training; it is the essential groundwork that supports everything else. While my drawings are primarily in graphite, my paintings embrace a wide range of tools. I move fluidly between traditional brushes, airbrush, and paint sprayers, selecting the medium that best serves the piece's intention. This is especially true for large-scale murals, where scale demands a dynamic approach.

A central philosophy of my work is that these paintings are meant to be encountered in person. Photographs can capture the image, but they often miss the essence: the fine surface details, the interplay of layered materials, and the tactility of the texture. In this way, each piece functions as a considered object, not merely a picture. My background in design naturally influences my compositions, and I enjoy work that thoughtfully occupies the space between fine art and graphic design. Yet, I also embrace projects that call for a more direct and illustrative style, allowing the needs of the commission to guide the visual approach.

I am honored to exhibit work in both private collections and public spaces and enjoy collaborations with collectors, designers, and institutions who share an appreciation for contemporary art. My goal is to create work that feels meaningful and enduring. Whether an original piece or a custom commission, each project is undertaken with careful intention, resulting in art that embodies a distinct and thoughtful perspective.

If you are interested in acquiring an original painting or discussing a commissioned piece, I invite you to view my current portfolio. I welcome conversations with collectors, galleries, and individuals seeking contemporary fine art that brings depth, presence, and a tangible sense of craftsmanship to an environment.

TESTIMONIALS:

James C. McLane III P.E.

Oil Painting

Testimonial: I purchased one of John Potters great paintings a couple of years ago. This oil on canvas picture is a large, half life-sized image of an Astronaut back in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle performing a repair on the Hubble Space Telescope. I work as an engineer in a Space Suit lab in Houston Texas, and when I saw this work I was blown away by its attention to accuracy. Potters style trends to relatively substantial brush strokes, but somehow the final product seems very, very detailed. The colors he uses are extremely faithful representations of the scene. From a respectful viewing distance, the painting looks photo realistic, but the viewer knows full well its obviously not a photograph, but the results from the labored efforts of a master artist. I cannot express how satisfied I am with this particular image.

James C. McLane III P.E.
Houston Texas

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Boca Grove Country Club

Mural Painting, Character Design, Logo Design, Illustration....

Testimonial: We are so in love with our new mascot/logo. The design is unique and truly captured the essence of our Country Club. Potter was wonderful and seemed to read our mind when it came to changes and suggestions. Truly a pleasure to work with.

Boca Grove Country Club

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Susan Grantham

Book Cover Design and Illustration, Illustration, Painting

Testimonial: Absolutely every project I have worked with on John has been a success. I have used his talent and services from paintings, to book covers, to technical drawings. Everyone who see's his work comments on the quality and creativity. While still working in editing and publishing, I used him whenever he was available.

Susan Grantham,
Associate Professor at University of Hartford