John Sherry - Spotlight Artist

I grew up in Ohio and after living in California and Colorado I now reside in Bend Oregon. My mother was a highly acclaimed artist and my father had a photographer's eye. I always considered myself creative, but I did not begin to create art until late in life. After many years of wondering if I could paint, and many more years of procrastinating, I finally decided that I had better give it a try before I run out of time. I told myself that I'd give it a serious effort for one year and see where it goes. Long story short, painting has changed my life, and here we are!

Pastel on paper is my medium of choice. The colors and pigments are amazing and mark making with pastel is pure joy. There is no mixing, no waiting for it to dry. You lay down a stroke and that is that!

I paint mainly from my own reference photos. I am constantly capturing images on my cell phone that I think might have painting potential, i.e., interesting subject matter with good composition. Landscapes, urban scenes, odds and ends of still life. Early on as an artist, I set out to paint impressionistic landscapes. But in day to day painting, I am constantly lured to paint ordinary objects. Trains, trucks, coffee cups! I enjoy the challenge of making the mundane appear interesting through art.

I am drawn to create art from the simple perspective of shapes, colors, and values. I try to combine that basic concept with interesting subjects and good composition. The result is my art.