Born in 1954, John displayed a marked natural talent for drawing as a young boy. He started painting as a hobby in 1974 but seriously from 1991 with the aim of developing his work to the highest standard. He commenced painting full time in 2002.

One of Australia's finest artists, John is a multi-award winning artist and a full time professional painter. Since turning to a full time painting career his work has attracted much attention and is now increasing in popularity as more of his work is becoming available.

His works are convincing representations of the real thing, visually striking and professionally executed. Each painting possesses great beauty and intense realism designed to stir the heart and lift the soul. His masterful use of colour and tone create a powerful illusion of light and atmosphere.

Light particularly is a notable feature of his work, prompting comments by many viewers, artists and reputable judges. These qualities in combination with John's keen power of observation, superb drawing skill and passionate response to an inexhaustible array of subjects, sets him apart from other artists.

John's work has captured the attention of people like Richard Stone, Royal Portraitist to Queen Elizabeth II; famous artist/critic John Olsen; famous wildlife artist William T Cooper OA; well known and distinguished artist Reg Campbell.

Largely self taught, John has been influenced by famous Australian artists such as Elioth Gruner, Hans Heysen, Arthur Streeton and American artists James Fetherolf and Richard Schmid.

The following comments indicate the effect these influences have had on John's work.

Internationally celebrated wildlife artist William T Cooper OA is quoted to have said, upon viewing John's work for the first time, that it reminded him of a recent exhibition of works by Walter Withers, one of the Heidelberg school's famous early Australian artists. He describes John's works as stunning and way underpriced for the outstanding quality.

Alan Campbell, curator of Heysen Art, "The Cedars", who opened the John McCartin Fine Art Gallery, publicly announced at the official opening, that John's work is the closest to Sir Hans Heysen's he has ever seen.

A London art collector, James Bonython, who called in to the gallery, compared John's work to that of Sir Arthur Streeton.

Gary Laird, seven times winner and judge of the 2002 Kiama Art Society Exhibition comments:- "There is an old world Heidelberg feel to this work. I feel as if I can breathe the air and feel the warmth of the Australian Sun." ("Homestead" - awarded First Prize Traditional)

2002 Camberwell Rotary Art Show judges' comments:- "This work creates a most convincing sensation of atmosphere, space and light." ("The Long Paddock" - awarded Best Australian Oil Landscape Painting)

From an early age John has felt drawn to the Australian landscape and though he is recognised primarily as an accomplished landscape painter he has also received recognition as a still life/floral artist. Working mostly in oils, John has also worked successfully in watercolour and charcoal.

His works are held in private and corporate collections in England, Ireland, Norway, Russia, America, Holland, Japan, India and throughout Australia.

To John, the greatest of all challenges is to produce a heart stirring composition that not only captures the essence of the subject but also conveys a convincing sensation of light and atmosphere; space and form. This requires a high degree of tonal precision as well as a finely tuned sense of colour, balance and design. Though John's work has been acclaimed by artists and critics alike, his main focus has always been on painting from the heart and passing onto the viewer a visual and emotional experience that anyone can appreciate. He believes you don't need a trained eye to appreciate good art as a good painting is appreciated by child and adult alike, needing no explanation. He would even add, "if it needs explanation, then the work has failed to convey it's intended message."

John has observed that many people are caught up in the rush of everyday life. "They often overlook the wonder of creation. The glistening of early morning frosts and rising mists; animals grazing in the fields with the sun on their backs; the colours of sunset and that of a sun drenched landscape after rain; the stark beauty of a frosty winter landscape; the blossoms of a spring morning; the brilliant reds and oranges of autumn. These things are all around us but few people really stop to appreciate their beauty".

John seeks to recapture what is very often missed or taken for granted so that people will have another chance to appreciate what modern technology has taken away. Please relax and enjoy the innocent pleasure of seeing nature at its best, in partnership with man and beast.