John graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee, in 1963, then gained a Post Diploma. He has continued his association with the art school as a part time lecturer for many years. Born and brought up in Forfar, John continues to live and work in the town, drawing inspiration and subject matter from every day life on which he casts a somewhat whimsical eye. Recently he has travelled to Australia, where his brother lives. He writes, “My paintings seem to be expressing something either serious or amusing about life. They depict people acting out minor dramas. Gesture, composition, characterisation and setting are important. There is an element of gravity in them, but the humorous side probably eclipses that aspect.”