John Reidy is an accomplished artist who has been drawing ever since he could hold a pencil. He showed at an early age his love and talent for drawing. Through his early school years he was always busy (maybe too busy) drawing those things that held his interest, animals, monsters, religious scenes and portraits. He often entertained his family and friends with his caricatures, comics and more serious portraits.

John began his formal instruction at the age of 13 with Jay O’Meilia from the Frank Reilly School with the New York Art Students League. He worked in Jay’s studio for 5 years, where he learned the discipline, fundamentals, color and how to think as an artist.

No matter the subject, the underlying question was always “What is it doing?”.

While John pursued his professional career in advertising and sales he never stopped perfecting hiscraft. He worked in various mediums: graphite, charcoal, pen and ink, water color and oils. His subjects were wildlife and people.

While visiting with several internationally known portrait artists John was encouraged to pursue creating fine art oil portraits full time. Ever since he has been enjoying portrait painting and most especially meeting his clients and making them happy. “That”, says John, “is what it’s all about.”

He has won several awards including a portrait drawing selected for national tour, First Prize in the Muddy River Art Association, Inc. Juried Competition, a Finalist in the Portrait Society of America 2006 Tri-State competition and Best in Show in the Dimensions 2007 National Juried Exhibition.