Born 1931 was the middle of seven children. His mother insisted naming him after her great uncle John Wallace born 1841, a famous landscape painter in England. Amazingly, John was the only family member to exhibit artistic talent.Art has been part of John’s life since childhood. His artistic endeavours have included soapstone and wood carving, clay sculptures and casting, stained glass design, watercolour and acrylic painting. His creative nature expands to landscaping, pond design and a passion for cooking.After retirement, his search for an active lifestyle brought him to Collingwood. Inspired by the skies and rugged scenery of Georgian Bay most notably the Escarpment, Killarney and Algonquin, his focus became and continues to be oil on canvas. He is known for his bold use of colour where the paint is applied predominantly with a palette knife creating incredible depth and texture. Oil paint is perfect for the wet on wet approach he desires to create rocks, trees and rushing water.John’s paintings are inspired by the stunning beauty and energy of Georgian Bay. He invites the viewer to share in that experience with the feeling of walking right into the scene.