John Houseman has been developing his realistic technique with gouache (opaque watercolor) since 1980, when he first received an assignment to create illustrations for Crane business publications. Because this work involved interpreting editorial materials he was able to activate his keen sense of the surreal. He has produced a large body of unusual works influenced by Rene Magritte, Brad Holland, Goya, Georges DiChirico and a host of other exceptional painters.
He also has a great love for machinery; particularly exotic and classic automobiles. He found his way into many high end car shows, displaying realistic, automotive paintings to enthusiastic crowds. He was the founding artist at the Chicago Concours d'Elegance in 1986. This has since become a prestigious venue for talented artists from all over the world. At this, and many other automotive displays he received individual commissions to produce likenesses of Ferraris, Mercedes, Fords, Bugattis, Chevys, etc by their proud owners. He was busy at this through out the 80's and early 90's.
In 1990 he relocated from Chicago to west central Wisconsin, a handy distance from the twin cities of St. Paul/Minneapolis. While continuing to delight the car crowd he also found time to embark on his pet genre, surrealism. When you visit his website, paintingsilove.com/artist/johnhouseman you will get an eyeful of the bizarre. There is whimsy in these pieces, and a tip of the hat to H.R. Giger, who was a master of bio-mechanical dream like creatures and environments (the notorious monster in the Alien series). He does not imitate Giger, but found a path of his own, utilizing rich colors and compositions that often leave one marveling at the multiple details in each picture. You can look for long moments and still not see every little component contained therein.
On the website you will also see works that are more conventional, such as human portraits and architectural studies. He is fascinated by the human face and form, having been a figure drawing model at many art institutions. Much wisdom and inspiration was absorbed as he listened to the direction delivered by the various instructors to their classes of eager students. He clearly was able to bring the words home and apply their essence at his drawing table.
In 2013-4 John made a brief, artistic exploration of some his favorite musicians, being one himself. He created portraits of Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones (living and deceased), Elvis, and Miles Davis.
He is now living in the beautiful Berkshires since October of 2014. He works out of his home studio and in a short period has participated in many shows, both group and one-man. Many of these ventures have taken place in the rich artistic community of Woodstock, NY.
