About the Artist: John Crum
April 2023 Issue
About the Cover Artist — John Crum
by Lindsay Gifford
As an artist, John Crum strives to develop paintings that speak about the world and the moments that affect our lives and environment—personal moments that have made a fond memory or lasting imprint. He believes a painting should evoke thought, awaken a memory, or spark an idea. “My subjects begin as an observation or in a passing moment. Capturing that image and putting the message onto canvas is my most gratifying accomplishment. I consider a painting successful when the viewer stops, takes a closer look, and then smiles,” said John.
John’s illustrious art career began early. As a child, he had a very active imagination and loved to draw. After graduating high school, he decided to take destiny into his own hands, enrolling at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. After receiving classical art training from nationally acclaimed instructors and talented fellow artists in figure, portraiture, landscape, and graphic design, John graduated in 1973. His training has allowed him the fortune of enjoying a life-long creative career in the arts as an illustrator, muralist, graphic artist, and painter.
"Your art makes me smile" is the most common compliment John receives about his work. This loving expression encourages him to continue pushing his limits and expressing his imagination. His painting style—gentle surrealism, a self-coined term—features narrative images and a touch of whimsy in an attempt to capture special life moments to make lasting impressions. John said, “The paintings are images in my head. I add curiosity and fantasy in a dreamlike, painterly quality to achieve the effect I am looking to achieve.”
In 2001, John relocated to Hilton Head Island from the Lake Erie southern shore town of Bay Village, Ohio. He can now be found in his art studio, along with his studio assistant Zoey (featured top left) where he concentrates on what makes him happy—painting and sharing his imaginative visions. “I just love the feel and sight of paint rolling onto a canvas. Developing new ideas, and the process, such as directing eye-flow with brush strokes and color is exciting.”
Pink Magazine is honored to feature John’s work on the cover for the third time. This piece, entitled “Lady Bird,” perfectly encapsulates the Lowcountry and this month’s theme: Nature’s Calling.
John’s art is available directly through his website www.johncrumbart.com and at local art galleries: Pluff Mudd Art Gallery on Calhoun Street in Bluffton and The Art League of Hilton Head Island Gallery inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island. John can be reached by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,
and you can follow him on Instagram @johncrumart and Facebook “John K. Crum.”
Join John for his art show “Art That Makes You Smile: The Gentle Surreal Art of John K. Crum” from April 11th-May 13th at the Art League Gallery. Enjoy the Opening Reception on April 12th and Live Artist's Demo April 17th & 18th. See artleaguehhi.org for details.