John Lofgreen
Art and animals have always been the twin themes of John Lofgreen's life. He currently resides in Eagle River, Alaska, but he was born in Mesa, Arizona. At age 3, John and his family moved to Southern California. John's father claimed that his first sentence was, "Oh boy, a bug". He would rather go catch tadpoles down in the creek, than go to Disneyland. He tried to make a pet out of any animal he could subdue.
His artistic talent soon came to the attention of his kindergarten teacher, and went from there to the school principle, and finally to a university professor who met with his parents. He encouraged them to supply John with plenty of art supplies, but not to give him formal art lessions. This advice is what his parents followed. Several of John's 5 brothers and 3 sisters also displayed artistic talent.
After high school, John served as a missionary for the LDS Church in Mexico for two years. That is where John developed a great deal of maturity, as well as an appreciation for the culture, food, and history of the Mexican people. The myriad of tropical birds he saw in Mexico also turned him into a dedicated birder.
John moved to Lakeside Arizona, after his return from Mexico, and tried to establish himself as a Wildlife Artist. This was easier said than done, so John supplimented his income doing commercial art, and wildlife surveys for various government agencies. In 1997 John moved to Alaska and continued painting full time.
Over the years he has had his work reproduced in many ways by many companies and organizations. Prints, stamps posters, tins, plates, t-shirts, puzzles, on and on. His original paintings hang in some of the best art galleries in Alaska, and elsewhere. Banks, celebrities, business leaders, and many astute people have become collectors of John's work. He invites you to become a valued collector as well.
His artistic talent soon came to the attention of his kindergarten teacher, and went from there to the school principle, and finally to a university professor who met with his parents. He encouraged them to supply John with plenty of art supplies, but not to give him formal art lessions. This advice is what his parents followed. Several of John's 5 brothers and 3 sisters also displayed artistic talent.
After high school, John served as a missionary for the LDS Church in Mexico for two years. That is where John developed a great deal of maturity, as well as an appreciation for the culture, food, and history of the Mexican people. The myriad of tropical birds he saw in Mexico also turned him into a dedicated birder.
John moved to Lakeside Arizona, after his return from Mexico, and tried to establish himself as a Wildlife Artist. This was easier said than done, so John supplimented his income doing commercial art, and wildlife surveys for various government agencies. In 1997 John moved to Alaska and continued painting full time.
Over the years he has had his work reproduced in many ways by many companies and organizations. Prints, stamps posters, tins, plates, t-shirts, puzzles, on and on. His original paintings hang in some of the best art galleries in Alaska, and elsewhere. Banks, celebrities, business leaders, and many astute people have become collectors of John's work. He invites you to become a valued collector as well.
copyright 2011 Traditions Fine Art