“My career is a love affair,” says John Weiss. “The love of God and the talent
He’s given me, the love of life, the love of my subject matter. And the love
of sharing all of these gifts with others through paintings and the stories
they tell.”
Weiss developed his appreciation for man’s best friend during his childhood in
Akron, Ohio. “I’ve always loved dogs,” John says. “When I was a little boy my
aunt Marian bought me a National Geographic book on dogs and I dove into it.”
His father was a draftsman to whom John credits his disciplined approach to
art. He drew throughout his childhood and developed his skill in high school
art classes. On a trip to Maine, he saw an exhibit of Andrew Wyeth’s work,
which inspired him to pursue art while attending Kent State University.
After college, Weiss went into the landscape business. With the support of his
wife, Tammy, he began painting full time. “I’m essentially self-taught,” he
says, “having studied the work of artists I admire and learn from their
methods and techniques. Experience is the best teacher.”
John has painted some of the most important dogs of our time, having the joy
and privilege of meeting and making many four-legged friends worldwide, and
his avid and loyal collectors include many prominent families. John was
commissioned by Lady Barlow to paint a portrait of a dog that was subsequently
presented to Queen Elizabeth. Other notable collectors include as Jane
Firestone, and John’s sketch of her German Shepard, Hatter, (the winningest
dog in show dog history), is part of the AKC Museum of the Dog in St. Louis’
permanent collection.
Weiss is recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including the Cover of
the Year award from the National Dog Writers Association, U.S. Art magazine’s
Artist to Watch as well as the top print of the year honors. John’s artwork is
reproduced as calendars, mugs, notepads, Christmas cards and notecards.
“I paint for the love of dogs the many emotions they share. Some paintings are
deeper emotional metaphors than other, but my hope is that they each capture
the joy and encouragement of their faithful subjects. I’m truly blessed to be
able to paint every day, and am thrilled to share my enjoyment with others
through my work.”
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