Windows Series X, Circa 2000

John Baughman  

Of his art, John says, "Art is the core of my life." When viewing his abstract paintings, it is clear that he is not locked into one thing. Oils play a very important role in his art, but John is continually experimenting using new mediums. To say he is multi-media is almost an understatement. He is still an "out of the lines painter," and feels that it is very important for an artist to be willing to take a risk. An innate sense of arrangements and space plus his use of the color palette, which is all over the place, cause John's work to constantly change. A subject that he has painted, he may readdress, and it will look completely different. Inspiration for his art is all around him. Sometimes he finds it running between his legs when he is standing in a stream or perhaps looking at the beauty that surrounds him where he lives. As time has passed, his artistry has evolved into a more sophisticated look with his paintings now having more layers and texture.

John hopes that people viewing his art will find order and peace. John and Janet raise sport horses on their farm, and train them to be dressage (disciplined form of exhibition) horses. They feel the same passion for these animals as they do for their artwork. John still loves sports, and fishes as often as he can. Both he and his wife are golfers. Assuming the title of "sports uncle," John spends several evenings watching his three nephews play baseball. And still hugely important in their lives are their three grown children, who live in various parts of the country.

Janet remains John's largest influence in his artwork. He feels there are so many great artists that it is difficult for him to choose a favorite, but he does love Mark Rothko's work and emulates small elements. He also greatly admires Conrad Marcarelli. In the future, John says he always sees himself working. The couple may go to the region of Provence, France one summer and paint. Especially appealing to him would be to see and paint the lavender fields. Most importantly, to John, now and in the future, is that he is always doing the best that he can do at the moment. The gift this artist shares with all of us is his ability to "paint out of the lines."