Growing up in a small, rural community in central Wisconsin, John has always loved to draw. He began drawing true-to-life pencil portraits and caricatures of people. Wanting to try his hand at acrylic painting, he began to paint flowers and birds. Since then, he has been painting people and birds. According to John, “I like to paint things that are close to my heart.”
 
John’s art has been exhibited at the Heckrodt Nature Center in his hometown. In 2004, John won the cover of the annual issue for The Belgian Review. In 2001, Neenah Printing in Wisconsin purchased two of his paintings from him for their 16th annual art print program. Limited edition prints were then made and given to their employees and clients across the United States for the holidays.