John’s life as a painter has been a steady, 35-year exploration of the American landscape. A graduate of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, John’s career eventually came full circle when he returned to his alma mater—first as an instructor of Drawing and Painting, and later as the Director of Foundations. In that role, he found a deep sense of purpose in guiding students through the technical fundamentals that remain the bedrock of his own practice today.

While his roots are in the classroom, John’s heart has always been at the easel. His work is a reflection of a life spent on the move, finding inspiration in the varied geography of the country—from the high peaks of the West to the quiet, low-country marshes of the Carolinas. For John, these locations aren't just subjects; they are opportunities to find a visual language that translates the grandeur of nature into something human and shared.

Today, John continues to draw inspiration from the light and land of his home state, Utah, where he maintains his studio practice.

“I’m compelled to capture the beauty of the world around me, influenced by a lifetime of experiences. My primary interest has always been with the viewer—aiming to establish a connection with my fellow individual and sharing a deeper appreciation of the world around us.”

Selected Awards and Recognition John has been recognized with numerous top honors at prestigious national exhibitions and invitationals, including:

  • Gold Medal Best of Show, Maynard Dixon Country Camp Out Invitational
  • Landscape Award, Arts For the Parks Annual Juried Exhibition
  • Best of Show, National Museum of Wildlife Art Annual Plein Air Exhibition
  • Best of Show, Society of Western Artists Annual Juried Exhibition
  • Best of Show, Brigham City Museum of Art and History Plein Air Invitational
  • Best of Show, Eccles Art Center Annual Juried Plein Air Exhibition
  • Best of Show, Traces of the West Annual Juried Exhibition
  • Artist Choice Award, Maui Plein Air Annual Invitational
  • Best of Show, Sonoma Plein Air Festival Annual Juried Exhibition
  • First Place Studio Landscape, Midway Art Association Plein Air Paradise
  • Southwest Magazine Award, Weekend in the West Annual Juried Exhibition

- John Poon