Will St. John is an American figurative painter and sculptor based in New York.
Will St. John at a glance
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Figurative painting and portraits
- Also works in: Sculpture
- Based in: New York City
- Fellowship: American Academy in Rome, 2012
- Influences: Rembrandt, Vermeer and the Dutch Masters
“Painting is primarily experienced through the senses and not the intellect.”
He discovered his passion for art as a child, copying drawings from library books his mother brought home. He studied creative writing in college but took drawing classes at the Art Students League. He also studied at Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia and Studio Escalier in France. He eventually found his way to the Water Street Atelier, which became Grand Central Academy, where he has taught.
He believes sculpture has been integral to his understanding of the human figure.
He feels it revealed gaps in his understanding that he might not have recognized otherwise. He also recommends copying Old Master drawings and painting from imagination to improve. He advises students to humble themselves by comparing their work to something they admire. He has exhibited at the Caelum Gallery in New York in a joint exhibition with his wife Colleen Barry. The show, titled “Ride the Tiger,” was hosted by actor Adam Driver and his wife Joanne Tucker.
He has a fondness for the Dutch Masters, particularly Rembrandt and Vermeer.
He also admires modern painters like Neo Rauch and Salmaan Toor. In 2012, he accepted a fellowship and residency at the American Academy in Rome, which deeply influenced his artistic vision. He has since sought to lead a revolt against American figurative painting, placing sensuality as a value equal to intellectualism. His portraits feature recognizable living subjects, including transgender individuals, inviting conversations about representation and identity.
He is known for his playful and flamboyant approach to art and life.
He sees himself as an artist who would be more comfortable in the Salon des Refusés. He has taught painting both in person and online since the pandemic. He lives and works in New York City, where he continues to create and exhibit his work. His art is a testament to the power of sensuality and the enduring relevance of figurative painting.
You can see more of Will St. John’s paintings on his Instagram at @willstjohnart.