About the Artist

In 1999, John's first drawing, which was of the Disney character Goofy, was copied for his daughter. Having no knowledge of an ability to draw, that one drawing changed his life and started his journey into the world of art. 

In 2007, he decided to close his technology-consulting firm to pursue an art career full time. Already comfortable with pastel, he knew he needed to learn oil painting and in 2007 he attended the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy for their summer program (That's John and Tony Bennett, in the picture, painting in Florence). The FAA is renowned for their “classical” art training program. While in Florence he met instructor, Matthew Almy, who taught figure drawing in the summers, but lives in Chicago. When they arrived back in the states, John started his “classical” training under Matt and his wife, Magda. They have since expanded into a 7000 square foot studio space and call themselves The Ravenswood Atelier where John completed his studies in 2011. John signs his paintings Philbin. It is his middle name and a family name that dates back centuries in Ireland. Until his son was born, John was the last surviving Philbin in the family.

In 2017, John won The Prix de Pastel, in the Master's Division of the International Association of Pastel Societies Juried Exhibit. This award garnered him the title of "Eminent Pastelist", the 9th in the world to reach this level.  In 2016, John was one of the few artists to be chosen to exhibit in the 2nd China International Pastel Exhibition in Suzhou, China. He also won the 2016 DPS award for Exceptional Merit at the Degas Pastel Society's 16th National Exhibit and First Place in the 25th Annual National Pastel Society of New Mexico Show.  In 2015 John won the Gold Medal, in the Master's Division of the International Association of Pastel Societies Juried Exhibit. He was also awarded the title of "Distinguished Pastellist" by the Pastel Society of New Mexico, their highest honor, at the 2015 Annual Exhibit.  In 2014, John was awarded 2nd place in the 2014 Pastel National. In 2013, John attained Master Circle status with the International Association of Pastel Societies; presented at the 2015 Biennial convention. In 2012, John was one of the few Signature Members of The Pastel Society of America selected to exhibit at the 40th Anniversary Show at The Noyes Museum of Art in Oceanview, New Jersey. John was also the Judge of Awards for the 2012 Richeson 75 Pastel Show and Nitram Charcoal, an artists charcoal, started using John "Pericles" drawing for their packaging.
 He was one of 36 artists selected for the International Association of Pastel Societies 16th Juried Exhibition at The Butler Institute of American Art in 2010. He was one of 60 artists invited to exhibit at the 2010 Pastels by Invitation Show at the Creative Arts Center in Chatham, MA. In 2010, John was made a Signature member of The Pastel Society of America. John has also exhibited in a number of shows at the National Arts Club and The Salmagundi Club in New York City. In 2011, John exhibited in Giverny, France in the Art du Pastel en France's juried Exhibit.

John has won recognition and over 40 national awards including The Prix Du Pastel Award at the International Association of Pastel Society's Biennial Convention in 2017, The Gold Medal at the 2012 International Association of Pastel Societies Gallery Show, Honorable Mentions in the 2012 Pastel Journal's Pastel 100, Artist Magazine's 2012 All Media Competition and the Butler Institute of American Art's 2012 Mid Year Show. Other awards and honors include Best of Show at The 2009 Richeson 75 Pastel Show, 2nd place at The 2009 Platinum Show at The Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art, The Holbein/Richard McKinley Award of Excellence at the 18th National Pastel Society of New Mexico Show and The New Orleans Art Association Award at The Degas Pastel Society’ 12th Biennial National Exhibition. 

John is a Signature member of The Pastel Society of America, A " Distinguished Pastelist" with The Pastel Society of New Mexico and an "Eminent Pastelist" with The International Association of Pastel Societies.

He is a member of The Pastel Society Of New Mexico, The Pastel Society Of America and is an Artist Member of The Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago.

His work is in collections throughout the United States and Ireland.

John lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin