To discuss your ideas for a custom painting send an email to ejrand310@gmail.com.

I've been drawing for as long as I can remember, or before that if you ask my mom. The story goes, when I was around three, she found me at the kitchen table drawing a picture with two doors in it. One door was very large, and the other much smaller. She asked me "Why is that door so little?" and I replied, very firmly, "Because it's far away!" I guess she realized then I was serious about my art!

Even as a child, my parents were very supportive, always providing the art supplies I needed (even when they couldn't afford it). One of my favorite memories is of my dad giving me the cardboard backing from his freshly laundered shirts. Cardboard was my surface of choice back then - it would take the abuse of my child's eraser and still hold up!

Art was the only thing I excelled in at school (that, and daydreaming). After high school I studied at Dowling College, NY and SUNY at New Paltz. Though I never acquired a degree, I always kept up my passion for creating by reading art books, visiting galleries, studying art videos, and most importantly, every moment I could, I painted.

Eventually, I ended up in New Hampshire, where I met and fell in love with the most wonderful woman and creative spirit I've ever had the good grace to know. Elaine, (who is a gifted potter) has been the guiding force in my life. She's my best friend, and most constructive critic. Elaine always indicates if I'm going off track with a painting or will say "Leave it alone, it's great!" before I begin to overwork or possibly ruin many month's effort (which happens).

Fortunately, I've been able to attend some incredible art workshops which have helped enhance my skills. I've studied with Lois Woolley (portraitist and teacher), Hongian Zhang (gifted artist and amazing individual - many thanks), Betsy Apgar Smith (her portraits of emigrant farmers are beautiful) and Scott Christensen (landscape painter "par excellence").

My influences are many: Andrew Wyeth, John Singer Sargent, many of the American and European impressionists (Edward Redfield, William Wednt, Edgar Payne, Van Gogh, Camille Pissaro) and many others..

Although I enjoy painting many subjects, nature is my true inspiration. Nothing gives me more joy than seeing the morning light illuminating the landscape and wondering if I can even begin to do it justice with canvas and paint.

Besides my family and friends, it is my passion for creating that truly keeps me going.     John J. Randall