John Keeling Paintings

Booth #55

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About

I’m enjoying a second chapter as a freelance illustrator, after retiring from Hallmark in 2013. My custom pet portrait business has been my primary focus and over the past 8 years, I’ve painted almost every dog breed and many cats.

I’ve illustrated three children’s books about a shelter dog named Sam written by local author, Annie Presley. We launched with “Sam Gets Adopted” in 2019 and followed up with “Sam Goes Shopping” and “Sam Sees Santa Claus.” Available on Amazon and directly from the publisher at www.samseries.com.

Represented by MHS Licensing, I license my watercolor images for a range of consumer products, including greeting cards, fabric, and home decor. I’m a member of the Watercolor USA Honor Society, currently serving as Treasurer for the organization. My watercolors have been featured in shows across America, including Watercolor USA (3 years), The Transparent Watercolor Society of America (TWSA) and the Rhode Island Cultural Center.

I enjoy sharing my love of watercolor with students of all ages and skill levels. In addition to private instruction, I’ve given workshops at The Eva Reynolds Gallery, area art centers and in my home studio and gardens in Crestwood. I will leading a Beginners Workshop in Provence in October. For more information please visit www.alpinecreativetours.com.

What inspires you to create?

Nature… flowers, birds, animals… you name it and I want to paint it.

What advice would you give to people looking to express their creativity?

I’m a firm believer in the value of books that the Public Library provides. Over the years, through self-study, I’ve learned volumes from other artists. Today, there are even more options available via YouTube tutorials.

How does your art connect with people?

I find the elusive nature of watercolor to be both a challenge and a joy. With watercolor, I am able to capture the essence of my subject. I seek out both lost and found edges, intentionally balancing controlled definition to help you see with blurred edges to let you enter. In this way, I invite the viewer to join me… to bring something of yourself to the work… your experiences, your memories, your story.