Lake FX Studio

About the artist

I am a life-long Michigan resident and a fine artist with a special passion for nature and wildlife. My early career was as a graphic artist, technical illustrator, CAD designer, and as an industrial designer. More recently, I taught art classes at Wayne County Community College in my local area and took a break after a two year stint. Recently I returned to teaching and personally aim to improve my own skills in the process. Learning new techniques and exploring new creative areas are prominent in my future goals in art. The focus of my work is primarily subjects dealing with the Michigan Great Lakes scene, fresh water, environmental issues, and wildlife. In 2020, at the onset of the pandemic, I began the outdoor plein air group I called, The Downriver Plein Air Squadron. This group of artists meet based on a schedule at various venues to paint together outdoors and enjoy the open air and our own camaraderie. Since I love animals, I do many pet portraits too!

Me with my late studio partner, Maximus.

John+and+Trish+at+Guilty+Exhibit+2017+I.jpg

My wife, Trish, and I attending an opening at the Downriver Council for the Arts, in Wyandotte, Michigan.

career highlights:

I went sailing on the tall ship, “Friends Good Will” on Lake Michigan near South Haven, MI.

One of my plein air excursions at Lake Erie Metro Park, in Rockwood, Michigan.

Minding the display at an art show in Chelsea, Michigan.

Bachelor Degree in Art, Wayne State University
Retired: Graphic Designer, CAD, Industrial Designer; Technical Illustrator
Established Lake FX Studio, LLC in Michigan, 2008
Art instructor at Wayne County Community College
Plein Air Artist
Founder, Downriver Plein Air Squadron 2020 (South-east lower Michigan plein air group)
Honorable Mention, West Virginia Wildlife Calendar 2020 (“Black Bear”)
Honorable Mention, West Virginia Wildlife Calendar 2021 (“River Otter”)
First Place, Robert S. Duncanson Plein Air Competition, Monroe, MI 2022
Exhibited in World Ocean Day event at Detroit Belle Isle Aquarium, 2023