John Toomer
John has been painting professionally since 1988. He is a self taught artist with no formal art training.
His work is included in many Private and Corporate Collections in New Zealand and overseas, and has also had work reproduced in Limited Edition Prints, cards and a calendar.
Painting in both oil and acrylic his earlier work featured coastal, rural and mountain subjects of Otago and surrounding Southern Regions. His current style is described as 'contemporary realism' and the subject matter features still life subjects; old and run down buildings consisting of either homesteads, country stores, churches or railway stations. John thrives in using his unique technique to achieve meticulous detail using oils. His art is dramatic interplay of stark settings and serene moods intensified by his expressive handling of light and shadow on rural themes.
He has held five highly successful solo exhibitions, all being sell-outs. He has also participated in a number of Invited Artist Exhibitions and has been a regular exhibitor in most Otago Art Society exhibitions since 1994.
Outside working hours John is a keen sportsman and is involved in coaching of Junior Rugby, Cricket and Basketball. He has been involved in a number of community organisations including the Lions Service Organisation, Community Arts Council and the Otago Art Society (Life Member).
John has been a regular contributor to the Aspiring Art Awards, by donating a piece for auction each year, in 2014 was one of the guest judges and in 2015 the awards were opened up nationally with 110 enrties, John's Lindis Pass entry was voted "People's Choice".
John lives in Mosgiel and is married with three children.
READ MORE: Go to our blog tab for John's interview with gallery consultant Marjorie Cook: At Home With Artist John Toomer.
The interview was published on May 29, 2020.