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.
PORTFOLIO GALLERIES
- Illustration work: Start with custom illustration and cover design, then view illustrated maps and architectural renderings.
- Fine art: Discover original paintings and drawings, the Custom Halftone Series, and mural projects.
- Design & motion: Check out the graphic design gallery, then move on to motion graphics and animated illustration.
- Maps by sector: I produce illustrated maps for boat shows, resorts, marinas, real estate, transit & parking, towns & cities, parks, and wayfinding systems.
- More creative services: Additional offerings include cover illustration, vehicle wraps, proposal renderings, and street art.
- Artistic methods: My work spans vector art, isometric & axonometric views, traditional painting, black & white illustration, GeoData mapping, overhead perspectives, and halftone effects.
- Preferred software: I rely on Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp Pro, and InDesign, plus Premiere Pro & After Effects for motion projects.