After retiring as a Creative Director from Hallmark Cards in 2013, John has been enjoying a second act as a full-time watercolor artist. His award-winning work has been recognized throughout the country, including acceptance into the 2022 Transparent Watercolor Society of America (TWSA) exhibition, the 2023 and 2024 American Watercolor Society (AWS) exhibition, and signature membership in the Watercolor USA Honor Society (WHS).

John operates a custom pet portrait business from his home studio in Kansas City, Missouri. He is represented by MHS Licensing and his watercolor images can be found on a range of consumer products, including greeting cards, calendars, home decor and fabric. John has illustrated three children's books about Sam, a shelter dog who finds his forever home.

This May, John gave a beginner watercolor workshop in Provence, France. He enjoys sharing his love of watercolor with others.

Originally from Salina, Kansas, John earned his BFA-Design from The University of Kansas in 1983. Since college, he has lived and worked in Kansas City, Missouri. In recent years, he has begun spending the summer at his cabin in Centennial, Wyoming, near the entrance to The Snowy Range in the Medicine Bow National Forest.

For more information about John, his work, and workshop opportunities, please visit his website at www.johnkeelingpaintings.com.