by John Swofford

 

© John Swofford

“I’m a dedicated painter focusing on expressive portraits and landscapes. My work is colorful but not overpowering—and I hope to convey a sensation or thought that leaves the viewer second guessing what a subject might be thinking or how a landscape is meant to be interpreted.  

I don’t go into a painting with a specific theme in mind; I let the images paint themselves to some extent—and I try to interpret after the fact or leave the idea up to the viewer.  

Usually, I try to get the canvas covered using a little turpenoid with my oil paints and then as the painting progresses I switch to a walnut oil based medium. I paint in the bigger shapes and then focus on a few important details. The picture is complete, for me, when I can’t find fault with the painting upside down or in a photograph.    

My accomplishments include being chosen for several group shows and being published in several magazines, including Create! Magazine issue #47, in which I was allotted an interview.”

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John Swofford (he/him) is forty-six and and lives in Rex, Georgia. He was featured in a L’Exposition show that was shown on one of the screens at Times Square (2025). He was featured in a L’Exposition exhibit in Montmartre, Paris.

Find out more on johnmerrillswofford.com or on Instagram, Facebook or Threads @johnmerrillswofford and Twitter @johnmswofford.

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