We are excited to welcome John Hammer,  an acclaimed artist from Tulsa, for our 47th ARTworks.

John was born in Kingsville, TX and grew up in both Northfield, MN and Okmulgee, OK. He now lives in Claremore, OK. He has an art studio at home and was one of the inaugural Studio Artists at The Hardesty Arts Center in Tulsa, OK. He remembers first recognizing his artistic abilities in the 3rd grade and since then he's been fulfilling his dream of being an artist.

Throughout John's primary school years, he most enjoyed the art of pencil and ink drawings. He won several art competitions and that inspired him to keep developing his skills. When it came time for college he decided to pursue a degree in Graphic Design at OSUIT in Okmulgee. At that time, hand skills were the primary tools used to produce projects for clients. Once computer technology took over the design field he found himself developing those computer design skills and drawing less. But he never lost the desire to pursue his fine art, although painting continued to elude him.

In May, 2012, the day arrived that John would launch into that pursuit. He picked up a paintbrush and took off on an exciting new direction in his career. In a variety of subject matter, his design background and love of color really stand out in his current work.

As John follows his fine art vision, the goals are to keep his art diverse and his expressions varied. He says, “I'll always paint and pursue new mediums, but I won't forgetmy first love...the pencil”.

Click here to view John Hammer's art work.