John Morris was born and raised in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England, and began painting at the age of 17. He now lives in Ayr Scotland and is a public speaker, musician, and preacher. John sold 610 pieces of art in 2013 and did a tour of the USA promoting books, paintings, music, and guest preaching.
Some links in the post below are “affiliate links.” See our disclosure policy for details.
- Mud Pies by Cindy Freland
- Pond Adventures with Aragon by Cindy Freland
- Why did my dad get cancer? by by Anna Renault
- Adventures of Johnny the Igneous Rock: Journey to Erosion Island by Ayana Albury
I met John Morris in a facebook group for authors and artists. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him. His art and music are inspiring. I think you will enjoy getting to know him too. (Try to imagine this interview with my Western Okie drawl & his British accent. he, he It’s a good thing we did this typing, or we may have needed an interpreter! LOL)
#1 What’s your favorite medium to work with?
In the beginning of my career it was oil, I loved the passion, colour and levels I could build up with oils… but then when I went to the USA I found acrylic was quicker, cleaner, and the colour was able to lock in better for me, which unleashed a whole new painting experience for me.
#2 Who are your favorite artists &/or pieces of art?
For me as odd as it may sound I only have a few artists that I have looked at and thought, “wooow.” Bob Ross who I learned how to paint by watching his tv show… Thomas Kinkade, Chuck Pinson and Eugene Lushpin all have a very similar style of creating paintings which move my eyes and soul, all 4 have what I love to call spirit on canvas… God certainly moved in ways that were special with these men.
#3 Where do you usually get your inspiration?
I usually get inspiration from nature, God’s creation, and just from whatever stirs up in me, the love of the mountains and a desire to create something that hasn’t been seen on canvas before.
#4 What is your musical genre?
A bit of everything, but in terms of performing would be country, Christian, folk, acoustic stuff…
My very favorite kinds of music! What I’ve heard of yours so far really resonates with me. Any plans for an album?
It’s all hush hush just now but yes there are plans…
#5 Is there a connection between your art and your music?
Sometimes yes, sometimes I hear a word or a phrase which can set off images to be painted and vise versa, sometimes I hear a song and it starts a wonderful beginning to a painting.
#6 What is your dream project?
Simple, to preach, teach and perform all on one stage.
That would be awesome!
#7 What is your favorite tool?
I don’t know that i have a favorite tool, all are necessary for me in creating a masterpiece … but there are some like the palette knife or the mop head brush or even the fan brush that i do still get a buzz from using.
I definitely understand that! Some of my art and craft supplies just make me happy!
#8 What advice would you have for parents of young aspiring artists?
Encourage but don’t force…
Excellent advice! I like to just provide as much variety as possible for our children along with opportunities to meet and visit with artists.
#9 What encouragement would you give young aspiring artists?
Learn the craft, learn your business, get a mentor who is doing what you want to eventually be doing… and be prepared for anything.
That’s the key isn’t it?! We just never know where God may lead us next!
The money that comes from Art from the Heart helps continue the various charity and youth work that John does. He also does sketches and photo paintings of anything you can dream of… So if you have a photo for him to work from he can sketch/paint and frame it for you! From: Babies, Children and Pets, to Grandma, Granddad and even personal portraits. He also offers art classes! Here’s a video of John painting set to some of his own music. The name of this song is “The Call”:
John Morris Art from the Heart Webpage
John Morris Art from the Heart Facebook Page
John Morris Art from the Heart Google Plus
John Morris Art from the Heart Pinterest
John Morris Art from the Heart Facebook Page
John Morris Art from the Heart Google Plus
John Morris Art from the Heart Pinterest