John Traynor spent his early years New Jersey. His art studies began at Delbarton School in New Jersey; from there he went to Paier College of Art in Connecticut, starting at the age of 16. He studied figure painting at the Art Students League of New York, as a merit scholar, with Frank Mason, as well as landscape painting in Vermont. John followed his studies with Mason by spending a year studying sculpture in Italy. Having completed his studies by the time he was 20 years old, Traynor was determined to become a professional artist. As an unknown artist, Traynor started selling his paintings at outdoor art shows in the Northeast where he was able to meet collectors in person. This exposure opened opportunities with galleries. Traynor has won numerous awards including the Frank DuMond award from the Hudson Valley Art Association and the Medal of Honor from the Salmagundi Club of which he is an honorary member. Traynor was also recently inducted into the Delbarton School Hall of Honors and has reached the level of Copley Master from the Copley Society of Boston. He has made numerous painting expeditions to Ireland as well as trips to England, Scotland, Holland, Italy, France, Austria, Israel and many locations across the United States including Hawaii. Traynor currently resides in southern New Hampshire in a quaint New England village with his wife Liz. Their home is surrounded by many gardens that inspire his paintings. Traynor is a skilled painter of every genre: landscape, still life and portraiture. His unique blend of realism and atmospheric impressionism set his work apart. Many people can recognize a “Traynor painting” by its brush strokes and unique feeling. Part of his success is connecting emotionally with others through his work. People are often reminded of moments in their life or memories of the past. Traynor is inspired by the nature he sees around him whether it is the flowers from his gardens, people in his life or the landscape outdoors. His interpretation of his subject matter is influenced by artists of the past. His use of light and atmospheric effect are found in many of the Old Master paintings such as the American tonality painters and the French Impressionists. There is a richness and fullness to his work that is ‘old world,’ yet contemporary with his unique style.