The Dart Original Painting by John Skinner

A River Runs Through It

This original oil painting by John Skinner captures the essence of a Dartmoor river. The scene is dominated by a rapid, cascading section where water foams and froths over dark rocks. The artist skillfully depicts the movement of the water, creating a sense of energy and vitality. Light dances on the surface, highlighting the texture and depth of the current.

Autumnal Embrace

Flanking the river, the banks are lined with trees, their leaves blazing with autumnal colours. These rich yellows and oranges contrast beautifully against the dark greens of the foliage. The light seems to filter through the branches, creating dappled shadows on the riverbank. Furthermore, this adds to the atmospheric depth of the piece.

Artistic Mastery

Skinner’s technique is remarkable. He uses bold brushstrokes to convey the movement of the water and the texture of the rocks. Subsequently, the colours are vibrant and rich, adding to the overall sense of realism. The contrast between the light and shadow gives the painting a three-dimensional quality.

A Frame of Nature’s Beauty

Presented in a quality frame, the artwork enhances its visual impact. The frame complements the painting, subtly drawing the viewer’s eye to the details within. Finally, the overall effect is one of natural beauty, energy, and artistic skill.

John Skinner: A Professional Artist for 36 Years

Early Beginnings
John Skinner was born in London in 1959. He began painting seriously at the age of twenty while living in Newcastle. Without formal training, John developed a unique technique that diverges from traditional watercolour methods. This unconventional approach gives his work a distinctive jewelled quality.

Diverse Career
Throughout his career, John worked as a children’s book illustrator. Additionally, he completed various corporate commissions, contributing to notable projects in film and television. His impressive credits include collaborations with Spitting Image and Walt Disney.

Current Life
Today, John resides in Newton Abbot with his partner, Deborah. He enjoys roaming the local estuary, moorland, and coastal paths. The beauty of his surroundings continues to inspire his art.

Artistic Philosophy
For John, painting is about connecting with people. He passionately refers to this labor of love as “painting for people.” After all, he believes, that’s what truly matters in art.

Back to John’s portfolio