making art work for you

Meet our artist John Burrows!  After becoming infatuated with the arts at an early age and studying at the Los Angeles Art Center College of Design, John worked at two architectural firms and started his own commercial interior design company in 1975. He enjoyed design so much it became his business while art became his passion. After 35 years, John closed his design office to pursue his art career full time and has never looked back.

John initially used acrylic paints but later switched to oil paints and, once again, he never looked back. He loves vibrant oils and the fact that the paint stays wet while being worked. He loves impasto painting with large brushes that enhance his impressionistic works. To be even more expressive, he started applying paint with large drywall knives, which he calls “blades.” This allowed his paintings to became even bolder with movement and texture. His paintings range from abstract expression to pure abstracts. He never gets tired of experimenting with new materials and techniques while also constantly engaging with and learning from other artists.

What do you first do when you get to the studio in the morning?

My studio is in my home so it is always there, calling me.  Quite often I go to Starbucks for a latte before I start painting.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I work on only one painting at a time.

“Fall at Soba Commone”

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

I love working large.  A small painting for me is 30 x 30.  Most of my paintings are over 1200 square inches.  I’ve had a few commissions in the past that have required a very large canvas.  One was over 7,000 square inches.  I love going large.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Gerhard Ricter or Edgar Degas

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

Observing nature and touring galleries, appreciating other artists.

How has your art evolved over time?

My original focus was on architecture, then on ethnic figures and I was using large brushes.  Now I focus on abstract impressionism using large blades in order to avoid detail.

What do you like most about your work?

“Boom Times II”

“Boom Times I”

The whimsy, the expressionism and the lack of detail.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Energetic

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

More minimalism

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

I usually start in the morning after a run to Starbucks.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece?  If so, what do you do?

Sometimes the idea I had in my head turns to mud in reality.  I’ll spend all day trying to save it but once it goes south, it’s a waste of time.  I will scrap off all the paint and use that canvas another day.

What is up next on your easel?

I have several ideas in my head but I usually wait for the whimsy to take over.

The images featured here are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.