John White - While viewing the award winning watercolors of artist John A. White, one recognizes his unique style of soft pleasing color, quiet strength and spiritual peace. These are the trademarks of this visionary's portrayal of the Southwest.

White was born and raised in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Being a self-taught artist, he has developed his talent over a twenty year period, learning by doing. Among the awards he has won is the 1992 Kansas Indian Heritage award.

John's subject matter for his paintings comes from his past experiences and imagination. "I've traveled in the Southwest from the time I was very small. Most of my paintings reflect my memories of these trips. How I remember things and people is what the viewer sees in my work."

White is a former design draftsman. He worked for OG&E Utility in Oklahoma City, for 12 years while developing his watercolor technique. In 1984 John decided to pursue his art career full time. He decided to take a trip to Santa Fe to see how his art would be received. With his car full of paintings, and gas money in hand, he introduced himself to some galleries. Within a matter of days, White had sold almost all of his work. With gas money in both hands and steak in his stomach, he headed back for Oklahoma as fast as he could. He has been successfully painting ever since.

White's prints and originals are now distributed all over the United States and Canada. John's dedication to his art has certainly paid off for him, however, he gives credit to God for his talent. "All of us have talents of one kind or another. True we are not all artists or sculptors but we all have talents. Your talent my be accounting, business, medicine, construction, or even digging a ditch. Whatever it is, God gave it to you, but he left it to you to develop and use it. I have been very fortunate." John is also fortunate to have been blessed with such a friendly personality. Whether at one of his shows or in his studio, you will find his warm smile and contagious laugh to be sincere.