Artist’s Statement

“I like capturing the uniqueness and beauty of everyday objects and people.   Brainstorming concepts for trompe l’oeil art is extremely fun when putting objects together to make a clever play on words.  The biggest compliment that I get is when a collector sees my work for the first time and they think for example that I have put real paper and real tape together and wonder why…then they are amazed it is a drawing of those things.  I create art to bring enjoyment to others!” 

About the Artist

John A. Clapp (b.1968) works in a realistic style using graphite, pastel, colored pencil, oil and acrylic.  From childhood, John exhibited a great interest in drawing.  At the age of 15, he was inspired to paint by his great-uncle, Bob Brown, who was also a self-taught artist.  John is a versatile artist, who’s subject matter and style is diverse and includes whimsical and realistic trompe l’oeil, still life scenes, figures, and landscapes.  He has a sharp eye for the smallest details.  Each work is carefully composed, giving each object a personality.   Some of his highly detailed works take 20 – 40 hours or more to complete.

Achievements

2014-Four paintings featured on cover and inside article of Sojourners Magazine, August 2014 issue.

2013-Illustrated cover for poetry book, “Search for a Velvet Lined Cape” by Marjorie Manwaring.

2009-Article for AbsoluteArts.com featuring my artwork and interview by author and art collector, Michael K. Corbin.

2008-Elizabeth Edwards purchased a still life painting-silver/fruit composition.

2006-First Place Award for “Sugar Bowl” still-life painting at the Aldersgate Art Show in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

2001-Honorary portrait of Senator Dale A. Righter, Member of the House of Representatives, located in Mattoon, IL. 

2000-“Best of Show” for entire artwork display at the Danville Arts in the Park, Danville, Illinois.

1998-“People’s Choice” for “Blue Jay in the Snow” painting at the Mattoon Arts and Crafts Show in Mattoon, Illinois.

1997-“Best of Show” for “In The Sun – Goldfinch” painting at the Arcola Art Fair, Arcola, Illinois.