John Allison  Art  &  Design

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With over four decades dedicated to the practice of architecture, John has consistently immersed himself in the realm of creative design. His daily work has revolved around the fundamental elements of design - form, light, composition, texture, and color - which have become his trusted companions throughout his journey.

As a painter, John applies these very same tools, albeit in a different medium. His artistic expression comes to life through mixed media, a fusion of oils, cold wax, pigment stick, and collage. These materials serve as his palette, allowing him to craft purposefully ambiguous and intricately layered works of art on both canvas and wood panels.
 

From the beginning of John's artistic journey, he was drawn into the world of Abstract Expressionism. Over the years, he sought guidance from notable mentors, including Eric Mantle, a distinguished Professor of Art at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, during the years 2010 to 2014. Additionally, he honed his craft with encaustic artist Lisa Pressman in West Orange, NJ, in 2017. Today, John finds creative energy sharing a studio with Sammy Peters, a nationally celebrated abstract painter. This collaboration has not only enriched his artistic knowledge but also deepened his passion for the world of art.
 

In 2012, John's artistic range was showcased in a captivating two-man show, "Creative Minds," alongside Cuban artist Guillermo Portieles. His artwork continued to shine in 2018 when his painting, "Diptych - Bike Ride South," was selected for inclusion in the prestigious 60th Annual Delta Exhibition. The piece subsequently found a permanent home at Citizens Bank of Arkansas' new headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas. Furthermore, another of John's larger pieces, "Diptych - Pathway to Compassion," garnered recognition when it was chosen for the 2020 62nd Annual Delta Exhibition, and then selected for the cover of the exhibition announcement.
 

John's artistic philosophy is both an invitation and an inquiry. His work invites viewers to actively engage, encouraging them to question and uncover their own personal meaning within each piece. With every layer of color and texture, he creates a space where art becomes a dialogue, and each observer is invited to participate in the conversation.

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*Haiku by artist