Artist Spotlight: John Traynor

By admin on September 8, 2017

Copley Master John Traynor has built an astounding following and reputation ever since he became a professional artist more than thirty years ago. Exhibiting a talent for art at a young age, John Traynor has mastered his skills over the years to create his own recognizable, unique style. His style and paintings are so distinct that the best way to describe them is to simply say “John Traynor.”

Morning in Boston, oil on canvas, 30 x 36”

John Traynor’s artistic style is an amalgamation of impressionism, realism, and light and tones reminiscent of the old masters. While his artwork shows off his innate talent, Traynor started at a young age in art school to master his current style. By age 20, Traynor had completed his studies at Paier School of Art where he received traditional and atelier-style training from former teachers at the Yale School of Art. He continued to hone his artistic skills by studying figure painting in New York, landscape painting in Vermont, and sculpture in Florence, Italy. Today, Traynor continues to make a concerted effort to travel to parts of Europe and the United States in order to enrich his ever-growing techniques and unique style.

Wind Blown Tree, oil on panel, 13 x 16″

While Traynor spent years training in art school and workshops, his talent for blending many artistic styles into one distinct style is not something that can be taught. Traynor has even said, “Anyone can be taught to paint but you have to be born an artist.” What especially sets him apart as an artist is his ability to elicit an emotional response from viewers. Upon viewing his paintings—whether they be scenes from nature, cityscapes, or still lifes—Traynor’s pieces have the power to make anyone feel good and uplifted.

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Sweet Dreams, oil, 16 x 12″

What Traynor seeks in his art, and what he successfully displays, is beauty. As a master of many genres including landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, Traynor will not stop working on a piece until it “gives the impression to the viewer that [he] wants to give.” The impression from his work is typically one of awe, nostalgia, or comfort. Even if a viewer has not visited the locations depicted in his work, they are nonetheless transported to a place of familiarity. This is likely because Traynor has his own personal attachment to his art subjects, as he draws inspiration from nature, people, and landscapes from his own life.

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Rose Bushes, oil on linen, 36 x 30″

It is evident as to why John Traynor has received accolades and awards throughout his career, including the Frank DuMond award from the Hudson Valley Art Association and the Medal of Honor from the Salmagundi Club. Traynor has the special aptitude for painting moments that feel old yet contemporary, familiar yet mysterious, and rich yet simple. This Copley Master has achieved great success throughout his career, thanks to his seemingly effortless talent for capturing emotional moments from daily life.

 

Copley Master John Traynor will be giving an artist demonstration open to the public at the Copley Society of Art for Open Newbury Street on Sunday, September 10th at 12:00pm. This is a rare opportunity to see this Copley Master at work!

 

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