Art, a life long component for John MacGowan, has now become his full time career. His traditional marine and landscape oils have attracted a strong and growing following. Galleries in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut & Florida exhibit current works. His studio, on historic Bellevue Avenue in Newport, RI is open by appointment where he encourages you to visit. John always says, “Why not collect a living artist? We’ve got a pulse, a personality and you’ll be a part of it too.”

A fellow America’s Cup crew member, who was an art publisher, saw my early paintings and commented they were good and that I should do something with this. When I asked “Like what?” he recommended I take an art class and join a local art association. I mentioned this conversation to a family member who brought to my attention to the local Wickford Art Association. I visited, liked what I saw and joined immediately. By attending their weekly art classes, I made friends and began connecting with the regional art community. In a flash, I rented studio space, set up shop and started my transition from professional yachtsman to fine artist. After a sixteen year hiatus from my formal art college education, art became my career path for the first time.

I began to investigate outdoor painting known as en plein air. It was social, exciting and challenging. Now it has become my full time vocation and passion. My most recent body of images is of the marine genre. With each new painting, I hear comments from the sailing fraternity about how much they appreciate my attention to modern nautical detail. As comforting as that is to hear, it helps provides impetus to continue my ongoing pursuit to paint dynamic and beautiful contemporary marine imagery.

Fodder for my group of regular students-
“Load the brush up, lay it on the canvas and leave it alone.”
J. MacGowan