Local Artists on Display

John Kessler works with oil paints usually depicting some aspect of life in rural New England.  His paintings are representational in nature, but with a bit of impressionistic style.  The subject matter is most likely a landscape, but John also paints the occasional still life or some fun item that piques his interest. He creates much of his artwork in the studio, but also does plein air painting on occasion.

John took up painting as a serious endeavor late in life.  After retiring from a successful engineering career, John focused his attention on oil painting, an interest he has had throughout his life.  At a young age, he was exposed to art via his father who painted in his spare time with an interest in Impressionism.  John is essentially self-taught.  He has taken classes at the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester and adds to his experience by taking workshops and painting with other artists. 

 

John has lived much of his life in southern New Hampshire but has also spent several years in the Upper Valley. His experience has also been broadened by travel both at home and abroad. His paintings are reflective of his interest in such outdoor activities as hiking, biking, and photography. They often depict the local farms, woods, wetlands and coastal environment throughout the different seasons of the year. John is always on the lookout for that special view that can be turned into a painting, hopefully recreating the mood and feeling of the moment. 

John feels extremely fortunate to have the time, resources and family support to pursue his interest in art.  He is member of the Newburyport, Greater Haverhill, and Kittery Art Associations and has been juried into the New Hampshire Art Association.  John's paintings can be seen at the N.W. Barrett Gallery in Portsmouth, NH.  You can follow John on his Instagram account @jbkesslerart.