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Artist Biography
Artist - John Paul
Strain
For over 30 years American artist John Paul Strain has
been amazing art collectors with his unique talent of capturing moments in
time from the early days of the American Frontier, the glory and pageantry
of the American Civil War, to contemporary scenic and romantic locations
across the world.
From the early age of 21, Mr.
Strain's paintings were represented by Trailside Galleries, America's most
prestigious western art gallery. For 15 years his beautiful landscapes,
wild life paintings, and depictions of Indian life were represented by
most every major western art gallery and top art auctions in the United
States.
In 1991 Mr. Strain broadened
his subjects to include historical art of the American Civil War. During
the next 17 years Mr. Strain focused his work on the world of daring
horseback raids and epic battles with great armies and leaders, capturing
and preserving a unique era in history. Over a period of years, Mr.
Strain became known as America's leading historical artist, with over 50
magazine covers featuring his paintings. His work is featured in books,
movies, and film. Mr. Strain's book, “A Witness to the Civil War”
released in November 2002 was a best seller for his publisher and quickly
sold out of it's first printing. The book is unusual among art books in
that it is written by the artist. The Scholastic Resources Company
purchased over 3 thousand copies of the edition for school libraries
across the US. His new book is scheduled to be released in 2009.
Strain’s paintings have helped to raise funds for many historical
restoration projects and battlefield preservation organizations. The
National Park Service uses his images in their publications and at
battlefield sites. A number of historical private institutions have on
site displays featuring his work such as General JEB Stuart’s home and
estate, and General Jubal Early's boyhood home.
Mr. Strain and his paintings
were also featured on the television shows of C-Span's Washington Journal,
The History Channel, and Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Throughout his
career he has won many awards for his art. Reproductions of his work have
won numerous 1st place awards and “Best of Show” honors, such
as the PICA Awards, The Printing Industry of the Carolinas, and just
recently at the PIAG 2008 Awards in Georgia, he won the Top Gold Award for
his painting "New Year's Wish", and Best Of Category Giclée for "Fire In
the Sky". Strain is also a featured artist for internationally know
collector art companies the Bradford Exchange and the Franklin Mint, where
he has created a Civil War Chess Set, several limited edition plate
series, sculptures, and many other collectable items featuring his
paintings. Mr. Strain has also completed a number of commissioned works
for the United States Army, which are on permanent display at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas, Fort McNair, Washington D.C., and the battlefield
visitor's center at Normandy, France. Today, Mr. Strain's original
paintings can be found in many noted museums such as the Museum of
Fredericksburg, South Georgia Relics Museum, and at Thomas Jefferson's
home, Monticello. His work is included in many private fine art
collections, corporate collections, and is owned by dignitaries such as
United States Senators, Congressmen and a number of State Governors.
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