Who am I?
I’m John Matthews. I’ve been many things. Husband and father. A student. A USAF Sergeant and Mobile Fire Team Leader. A career Police Officer for 28 years (retired). And now I get to add artist to my list.
I was always drawing airplanes when I was a kid, and I’ve always had a love of anything that flew. Illustrations from aircraft manufacturers covered my bedroom walls, and model kits hung in flight from the ceiling. Many summers spent at my grandparent’s house, close to their small town’s grass-strip airfield, watching planes arriving and departing. Also, living near McDonnell Douglas‘ headquarters, and an Air National Guard base (110th Tactical fighter Squadron, formerly at Lambert International Airport), it was hard not to get excited about seeing so many fighter aircraft (mostly F-4 Phantoms and F-15 Eagles) flying around the area.
I’ve never been a pilot. It was something that always seemed out of reach. But, I’ve had a life-long enthusiasm for aviation. I hope I can share that with you.
Where to now?
It’s been a journey of challenges and opportunities to learn about composition, lighting, perspective, color, and other principles used in “traditional” artwork so I can apply them in my renderings. It’s allowed me to create, and hopefully touch others with my artwork.
Many people have reached out to say that my work reminded them of pleasant memories, or to thank me for keeping the spirit of their airplane alive. I call that “mission accomplished!” It’s wonderful when art moves us in some way.
You could write every once in a while, you know…
If you like my work, please let me know. Leave a comment and I’ll respond as soon as I can. I also welcome commissions. So, if there’s something special that you desire, please reach out to me so we can talk about it. I love creating work that becomes a gift for someone to enjoy.
Safe skies!
-John
