John began his painting career in 1963 and moved to St Ives in 1964, where he has been making paintings and prints since. He is extremely well represented by galleries across the country and appears in many publications, including "The handbook of Modern British Painting", edited by Alan Windsor.

John is a self-taught artist, who's work often makes references to the landscape of Cornwall and the figures within. He works from his large studio which overlooks Porthmeor beach.