Illustration in Oils
Artist: John Potter
I painted this from a photograph. For a long time I believed the photo was taken by Wes Skiles, a friend and an exceptional cave diver and photographer. Now I am not entirely sure. Either way, the photographer deserves most of the credit for capturing that moment. I just translated it into paint.
The image shows a cave diver emerging from a tight squeeze. You can feel the effort and the relief. The walls press close, and the light shifts from dark to pale as he pulls himself through. It is a technical subject, cave diving, but I approached it with expressive painting techniques. The brushwork and color carry emotion alongside information.
This piece demonstrates something I return to often. A specific, even technical topic can still benefit from a painterly hand. Accuracy and expression do not have to fight each other.
If you need an illustration that combines technical understanding with an expressive visual approach, contact me. I enjoy work that asks for both.
PAINTINGS:
PORTFOLIOS
- Illustration Portfolio: Start here for custom illustration and book covers. You can also browse illustrated maps and architectural rendering.
- Fine Art: I offer original paintings and drawings, including my Custom Halftone Series. You will also find mural work here.
- Graphic Design & Motion: View my graphic design portfolio. After that, explore motion design and animated illustrations.
- Maps by application: I create illustrated maps for boat shows, resorts, marinas, real estate, transportation, transit and parking, towns and cities, parks, and wayfinding.
- Additional project types: I also produce cover illustration, vehicle and vinyl wraps, proposal renderings, and street art.
- Illustration methods: My techniques include vector, isometric and axonometric, painting, black and white, GeoData maps, overhead maps, and custom halftones.
- Software portfolios: I work primarily in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, SketchUp Pro, and Adobe InDesign. For motion projects, I use Premiere Pro and After Effects. You can watch my demo reel here.