Featured Artist John McLaughlin

Artsy Shark presents featured artist John McLaughlin. His works – drawings, paintings and collage on paper – have been shown in many exhibitions including solo shows. Incorporating elements that are childlike, eccentric, charming and intriguing, John’s images can be seen as a whole portfolio, along with his photography, on his website.

 

You are Here

 

Artist Statement

I was born in Detroit Michigan in 1954. I am a completely self taught artist and have been creating and drawing all my life.  My working method combines my subconscious, or spirit, along with more deliberate thought out mark making.  In a childlike manner, my scribbles and lines are made.  In a more conscious manner, representational  drawings  are made, showing both man made and natural forms.

 

Scenic Route

 

My drawings and paintings are a manifestation of a life long observation of the world around me filtered through my emotions.  I believe the viewer should interpret my work any way they like. What it means to me may be different for them.  To me this is the intrigue of abstract art.

 

Point of Absence

 

Most of my work begins  with an ivory colored background, on either paper or canvas. I then layer on drawings and paint over a period of time using crayons, graphite pencil, colored pencils, oil  and acrylic paint along with pasted on paper cut outs.

 

Kapitzka

 

My Goals:

My goal is to have my work at the Museum of Modern Art. Why not set high goals?  But realistically I hope I can continue to make paintings and drawings for the rest of my life. And to sell some work and donate some, as I do each year, to charitible causes. I was proud to have two paintings sold at this years Design on a Dime showcase fundraiser in New York City for  A.I.D.S. patients.  This along with the feedback I get from collectors makes it all worthwhile.

 

Eye Glass

 

Working On:

I continue to explore the relationship between my drawings and paintings and the combination of the two. The landscape ground on my canvas may become full of reference material leading to representation or it may become empty with a more subtle use of line and color.

 

Blue Eye

 

I like to combine the aspects of abstract expressionism with  child-like drawn objects to gain a more inner discovery. Since I work intuitively I never know exactly where my work will take me, I just follow along and work from the subconscious level.

 

Comments

  1. John’s art is so interesting. Certainly not something that “matches the sofa” but more intellectual and curious. It seems to always have something new to look at, even after several close examinations. I don’t look at John’s art and think “hmmm, what is this?” I look at his art and just see the shapes and interaction of lines and shadows and color. It’s more interesting than just another bowl of fruit. I own several of John’s work and am pleased to see this opportunity for others to be introduced to his wonderful creative sense!

    Melissa

    • I agree, Melissa, and I found John’s works very intriguing from the very first time I saw them. He has a way of seeing and thinking that is very unique and quite appealing.

  2. An impressive collection from an equally impressive man! I receive notifications whenever you post a new work so I keep up with your creative genius! The work with the eyeball is quite compelling—what was the motivation behind that piece? Love to all!

  3. John McLaughlin says

    Thank you Melissa and Linda. I seem to have “eyes” show up in much of my work. I’m not sure of the meaning of this but I never pass up an oppurtunity to add an eye to a particular drawing. Maybe we can never disregard the human face. A psychologist might explain it to me someday.

  4. cool. very Max Ernst.

Trackbacks

Speak Your Mind

*