John Knapton was born in Toronto, Canada. At the age of 18 he started working as a fur trader for the Hudson’s Bay Company in Northern Ontario, Quebec, Labrador and Manitoba. It was while he was 'up-north' that he first started painting.

After his return to Toronto, he took several art and art therapy courses. John moved to and traveled through Europe from 1978 - 1990 with an opera singer who later became the mother of his child.

It was during his time in Europe that he developed a unique style in oils which is heavily influenced by Chagall and the Pre-Raphaelite painters, although most of his inspiration comes from listening to classical music and especially, opera. He uses various watercolour techniques with oil paints; his paintings depicting themes from mythology, opera and ballet, as well as the more traditional land and seascapes. Half hidden figures emerge from the vibrant blue, mauve, purple and gold dreamscapes of his paintings, even as hints of dragons, warrior women and bloody battles convey the drama of the myths portrayed.

John’s works are in private collections throughout Europe, Japan, Australia and North America.

Copyright © 2008 John Knapton.