John Dyer is Cornwall's best-known and best-loved contemporary artist. He is the artist in residence for the Eden Project in the UK and an official Artist for the Earth with EarthDay.org in the USA. John Dyer's paintings are known worldwide through his many art prints, posters and exhibitions. He has a unique way of capturing the essence of his subject, and his work celebrates the song of life. John Dyer's work hangs in the UK's national art collections with Falmouth Art Gallery, The Eden Project, Save the Children, the National Trust and the NHS. His work brings a huge amount of joy to all who view.
If you have a class studying the art of John Dyer in school, please also explore John Dyer's amazing project for young artists: Last Chance To Paint. The project will inspire your children to connect to the natural world and tribal culture.
John Dyer (born 1968 ) is one of Britain's leading and best-known contemporary painters.
“Imagine if all the colour, if all the shapes, if all the emotion, if all the fun, if all the joy and if all the love you feel could be captured for a moment to remember for all time. This is the power of a painting. This is the power of a painting that captures what a place feels like.” John Dyer
John Dyer is one of the UK's most exciting and postmodern plein-air painters. His work is collected internationally, and his paintings have been the subject of many popular television programmes and a wide range of merchandise.
John's environmental work studying the ethnobotanical relationships of plants with the Eden Project has firmly placed his work at the forefront of contemporary art. He is one of the UK's best-known international environmental artists, having worked with leading scientific organisations across the globe.
"There is an innocence and freshness to John Dyer's art that follows a tradition in Cornwall that includes the paintings of Cornwall by Alfred Wallis, Christopher Wood, Fred Yates and Bryan Pearce. Rather than trying to record what he sees, John sets out to capture the 'essence' of his subject. The 'essence' of seagulls, cats, dogs, bobbing boats, or exploding fireworks communicate far more strongly through John's brushstrokes than they would if drawn more traditionally. It is this ability to capture the 'essence' of what is important that seems to appeal to those who have shown great vision and originality in their own careers, such as Tim Smit, Alan Titchmarsh or Kim Wilde."
"John's work is pure painted joy. His pictures make you want to touch, squeeze & push your nose into flowers and breathe deeply. It's no surprise that his paintings are popular the world over. He touches a very human need for light, pattern & colour. We sense in John's paintings the sheer human thrill of being alive.."
SUE HILL - ART DIRECTOR EDEN PROJECT
"One of the UK's most exciting artists. It is rare to meet someone who has the same appreciation of atmosphere, colour, texture and the magic that can be created in a garden, and in John we have found someone who understands exactly what we were trying to do. Looking at your own garden through someone else's eyes is always interesting, but when the eyes belong to John Dyer then you hope that he will see something that allows him to use those vibrant colours he has on his palette."
ALAN TITCHMARSH MBE
"The BIG Art & Storytelling Tall Ships Project is charismatic. John Dyer’s new Tall Ships painting, combined with professional storytelling, creates an irresistible hub for creativity to flourish.”
PHILIP MOULD OBE
"Your fantastic paintings not only brought the apartment to life, but also put the energy of the Riviera indoors!"
TOYAH WILLCOX - ROCK STAR
"John Dyer is one of Britain's leading and best-known contemporary painters. Born in 1968 his work embraces colour and the 'Song of Life'."
THE NATIONAL TRUST
"A fabulous collection which perfectly epitomises Eden."
TIM SMIT - FOUNDER OF THE EDEN PROJECT
"I have always had immense respect for anyone who chooses to take the time to interpret our world for us through painting, and feel especially privileged to have hosted such an inspired artist in our back garden!"
KIM WILDE - ROCK STAR
"Cornish artist John Dyer has built up an enviable reputation with a host of successful exhibitions behind him and numerous poster and print publications promoting his work worldwide. 'Cornish Safari' consolidates a reputation that is founded on his love of painting the people and places of Cornwall."
INSIDE CORNWALL MAGAZINE
"Walk into a room full of John Dyer's creations and you can't help but be bowled over by their sunny optimism, their colourful exuberance. They tell stories of seaside days and adventures into the natural world, exploring our surroundings with a genuine joie de vivre. His distinct style is internationally renowned, and he has travelled widely, depicting the relationship between people and their environment in places as diverse as Australia, the Philippines, Costa Rica and Japan."
LUCY CORNES - JOURNALIST
"John's pictures are all about diversity and bringing out what might pass unseen."
CHARLOTTE LUSTY - SCIENTIST
John Dyer has been the artist in residence for many global organisations:
Darwin 200, The Eden Project, National Trust’s St Michael’s Mount, Giardini Hanbury, SBM Monaco, Falmouth – Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta, Cutty Sark Tall Ships Regatta, Bioversity International, International Rice Research Institute, CGIAR, Gyllyngdune Gardens, Alan Titchmarsh, Kim Wilde, Tresco Estate, Banrock Station Wine Australia, BBC Gardeners’ World Live, Live 8 Concert, Girlguides Centenary, CIP Peru, Orangutan Foundation Borneo.
Did you
John Dyer studied Design in London, gaining the skills to present his paintings with a professional and refined approach.
His artwork reflects his positive outlook on life, consistently conveying a sense of joy, energy, and optimism.
At the age of 11, John’s talent was recognised when his work was featured in a magazine article, marking the beginning of his artistic career. He was a published artist by the age of 17 with work in Athena.
A life-changing bursary from Thames Television took him to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil as a photographer. The vibrant colours and diverse imagery influenced his bold, expressive style and inspired him to paint.
Coming from an artistic family, John was heavily influenced by his father, Ted Dyer, a well-established painter, which helped shape his creative vision.
John Dyer is neurodiverse with Level 1 ASD (High-functioning autism Asperger's Syndrome), synesthesia, and ADHD which undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant and intricate nature of his artistic expression. These characteristics enhance his ability to perceive and translate the world into extraordinary colours and patterns, making his work stand out with its unique vision and detail. His approach gives his art an authentic, enriched perspective, capturing the viewer's imagination.
Key Facts
•Born in 1968 in Somerset. The son of two painters Ted Dyer and Vivien Dyer.
•Ted Dyer moved the family to Cornwall in 1972, and John spent his childhood in the Cornish Landscape with and drawing books.
•John studied for a BA Hons in Design in London and, during that time, travelled in the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil supported by Thames Television.
•John Graduated with an honours degree, returned to Cornwall to paint, and was asked by Falmouth Art School to lecture for them. John lectured part-time for nine years.
•In 2000, John was made 'Painter in Residence' for the Eden Project, a position he still holds today. His work is recognised internationally by many globally important organisations, and he has spent time painting in Costa Rica, Italy, France, and the Philippines for the project.
•John is one of the UK's most widely published artists.
•John's work is held in permanent public art collections of The Eden Project, The National Trust, The Tresco Estate, Save the Children UK, Falmouth Art Gallery, Gyllyngdune Gardens and many important private collections across the world.
Fun, lively and appealing to an audience worldwide, John Dyer captures the lighter side of life in his colourful paintings. Recognised for his cheerful reflections on Cornwall, John has also used humour and laughter in his work to highlight many serious causes over the past five years. Only recently he returned from the Borneo rainforest where he has been involved in a project to raise awareness about climate change. John Dyer was born in Taunton in 1968 into an artistic family who inspired him to paint from an early age. He completed a Foundation Art Course at Falmouth College of Art in 1987 and went on to gain a BA Hons Degree in Graphic Design at Middlesex University in London.
"I have lived in Cornwall for most of my life and have been lucky enough to have grown up surrounded by art, artists and painting. My father, Ted Dyer, is a painter and it is his influence and guidance from him that has inspired me to explore my own paintings and find my own artistic voice.
I have painted from a very young and decided to study formally at Falmouth Art School and Middlesex University in a range of visual arts before deciding to focus on painting. I returned to Cornwall in 1992 and have never looked back.
I have been lucky in that people have always enjoyed my paintings. I focus on the positive elements of life, the things that inspire me, and the song of life. My work is a natural response to the world around me, contemporary, and as to me as my handwriting. I paint the space where what I see and what I feel merge.
I want to bring part of myself to the viewer through my art and that the viewer brings an equal amount to my paintings. If this happens, then I will succeed in my aim. I hope the sum of the two adds up to far more than I could ever know."
John Dyer is one of Cornwall's best-known artists. His work has been widely published and is available on posters and art cards from all over the world. John Dyer was born near Taunton in 1968. He completed a Foundation Art Course at Falmouth School of Art in 1987 and gained a BA Hons Degree in Graphic Design at Middlesex Polytechnic in London, showing his final year work at the Smiths Gallery, Covent Garden.
Since graduating, John has concentrated his time on painting and teaching as a part-time lecturer at Falmouth College of Arts.
John's paintings are bold in both imagery and colour. His palette has a Mediterranean or Caribbean feel, with sunny yellows and deep turquoise sea blues. The paintings are very optimistic and full of fun and happiness, with more than just a touch of humour. Colours are placed in large areas, creating a base pattern on which the other elements are placed.
Environmental
1989, made a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society by Robin Hanbury-Tenison
John's work has been used to help raise awareness for the following organisations International Network for the improvement of banana and plantain The Eden Project The International Rice Research Institute The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute Survival International Born Free Foundation Earth Day
John's paintings are in the Permanent Collections of:
The National Trust The Eden Project Save The Children The Tresco Estate The Falmouth Public Art Gallery The Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust, Truro Gyllyngdune Gardens, Falmouth
Mixed exhibitions
Royal Photographic Society, London Smiths Gallery, Covent Garden, London Young Designers, Business Design Centre, Islington, London 'Open House' 1991, Newlyn Orion, Cornwall Mid Cornwall Galleries, Par, Cornwall Juliet Gould Galley, Fowey Trelissick Gallery, Truro Chalk Farm Gallery, London Artifex Gallery, Birmingham Falmouth Art Gallery Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge The New Craftsman Gallery St Ives, Cornwall Falmouth Art Gallery Lander Gallery, Truro The Clementine Gallery Fowey
Selected Exhibitions
June 1990 Bursary exhibition at Thames Television, Tottenham Court Road, London November 1990 Three-person exhibition with Taja & Penny Tajima Simpson at Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. May 1994 Two-person exhibition with artist Joanne Short at Juliet Gould's Gallery, Fowey, Cornwall. July 1994 One man exhibition "Sun Sea & Fancy-Free", Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. May 1995 Exhibition of paintings with Jack Pender, Anthony Frost, & Bryan Pearce at Juliet Gould's Gallery, Fowey, Cornwall. July 1995 One man exhibition "Cornish Fancies", Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. August 1995 Two-person exhibition with artist Joanne Short at Juliet Gould's Gallery, Fowey, Cornwall. July 1996 One man exhibition "A Splash of Summer", Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. Summer 1996 ÒViews of Falmouth" By Artists from Turner to the Present Day, Falmouth Art Gallery. July 1997 One man exhibition "Beneath Cornish Skies", Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. October 1997 One man exhibition "Mad about Cornwall", Artifex Gallery, Birmingham. July 1998 One man exhibition "Tall Ships and Small Ships', Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. July 1999 One man exhibition "Watching and Waiting" ', Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. September 1999 Joint Exhibition with Joanne Short & Ted Dyer "Provence colour and landscape", Cork Street, London. July 2000 Joint Exhibition with Joanne Short "Beachy Treats, on holiday at home", Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. July 2001 One Man Exhibition "A Piece of Eden", Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. July 2002 Joint Exhibition with Joanne Short "Tresco a Cornish Paradise", Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. October 2002 Exhibition at the Eden Project - paintings of Italy. July 2003 Joint Exhibition with Joanne Short "St. Michael's Mount - the sound of the sea", Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. September 2003 Joint Exhibition with Joanne Short & Ted Dyer "Italy Luce e Colori", Gallery 27, Cork Street, London July 2004 One Man Exhibition "Cornish Safari", Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. October / November / December 2004 Exhibition at the Eden Project - 'Rice is Life' 2004 Falmouth Art Gallery - The River 2005 Falmouth Art Gallery - Tremendous 2005 One Man Exhibition "South Coast", Beside The Wave, Falmouth, Cornwall. 2005 Exhibition "Roundabout Tresco", Gallery Tresco, Isles of Scilly. 2006 Exhibition at the Eden Project - Banrock Station Paintings. 2006 Exhibition with Gallery Tresco, Isles of Scilly. with Joanne Short 2007 Exhibition "Paintings from a small island" St Michael's Mount with Joanne Short 2008 Exhibition "Singing and Zinging" Paintings from Giardini Hanbury and Riviera. Monaco. 2008 Exhibition "Tall Ships and Small Ships '08" National Maritime Museum. 2009 Conservatoire Expo, Côte d'Azur, Menton 2010 Carwinion House and Garden 2010 Darwin 200 One Man Show at Falmouth Art Gallery 2012 Global Gardens One-Man Show 2014 Official Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Exhibition One Man Show at The National Maritime Museum Cornwall 2015 Cornish Summer Treats Exhibition with Joanne Short and Ted Dyer- The John Dyer Gallery 2015 Spirit of the Rainforest Exhibition at the Eden Project with Amazon Indian Nixiwaka Yawanawa 2018 Retrospective exhibition - Painting the colours of the World at Falmouth Art Gallery 2019: Last Chance to Paint exhibition at the Eden Project 2023: Exhibition at the St Ives Society of Artists Crypt Gallery, St Ives
Residencies
2000/01/02/03/04/05/06/07/08 Painter in residence, The Eden Project, Cornwall July 2002 Resident artist with Alan Titchmarsh - a garden portrait April 2003 One week residency in Costa Rica for the International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain. August 2003 Resident artist with Kim Wilde - a garden portrait April 2004 Resident artist for the International Rice Research Institute, Philippines June 2004 Resident artist for BBC Gardeners World Live 2005 Resident artist for 'Africa Calling' Live 8 2006 Resident artist for Banrock Station, South Australia 2006 Resident artist for St Michael's Mount with Joanne Short 2007/08 Resident artist for Giardini Hanbury, Italy 2008 Resident Artist for Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta. 2010 Artist in Residence for Darwin 200 and Newquay Zoo 2012 Artist in Residence for Gyllyngdune Gardens, Falmouth 2014 Artist in Residence for the Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Races 2015 Artist in Residence for Eden Project - Spirit of the Rainforest 2019 Artist in residence with the Yawanawá tribe in the Amazon rainforest 2019 Artist in residence with the Orangutan Foundation in the rainforest of Borneo 2023 Artist in residence with the Born Free Foundation in Kenya, Africa 2023 Artist in residence for the Falmouth Magellan-Elcano Tall Ships Races
Fine Art Publications
John's paintings have been reproduced by: Canns Down Press, Beside The Wave Publishing, & The Art Group. 1989 Poster published by Athena. 1990-1994 Art Cards published by Canns Down Press. 1996 Poster published by The Art Group for Habitat. 1997 Posters published by The Art Group. 1998 Posters published by The Art Group. 1998 The official limited edition print of the Tall Ships' Races published by Beside The Wave. 1999 Eclipse Limited Edition published by Beside The Wave. 1999 Eclipse Diary for Primary Schools 2000 Millenium Limited Edition published by Beside The Wave. 2000 Posters & Art Cards published by The Art Group. 2001 The official limited edition print for The Eden Project published by Beside The Wave. 2001 The 'John Dyer Collection' Calendar, Diary, Posters and Drawing book published by the Eden Project. 2002 Tresco limited editions, Eden limited editions 2002 Alan Titchmarsh 'Barleywood' limited editions 2002 Alan Titchmarsh 'Barleywood' posters for Gardeners' World Magazine 2003 National Maritime Museum Limited Edition Print 2003 Save the Children 'Rice and Hope' Limited Edition Print 2004 Eden Project Limited Edition Prints - Bulb Mania! 2004 New ARTCafé range for Alan Titchmarsh Products 2005 Canns Down Press - Art Cards 2007 The Robertson Collection - Art Cards 2008 The Eden Project - Art on demand range 2008 Official Limited edition print for Tall Ships Races 2010 The John Dyer Gallery- Art on demand range 2012 The Truro City Guide 2014 Tall Ships Races
Magazine Publications
John's paintings have been featured in many magazines, including: Art Review Homes and Gardens Artists and Illustrators Times Educational Eden Friends BBC Radio Times Amateur Gardening Garden Answers Gardens Illustrated Inside Cornwall Cornwall Today County to Sea Magazine Coast Magazine Land Rover Monthly And many more...
Live Events
'Planting and Painting' an evening with John Dyer and Alan Titchmarsh at the Eden Project January 2003 'To Eden and Beyond', The banana story Co-presented with INIBAP in September 2003. 'Rice and Hope' Launch of the Beat Poverty Campaign October 2003 Gardeners World Live June 2004 The launch of 'Edible Playgrounds' with Creative Partnerships at Eden Live event with the manager of Banrock Station, Tony Sharley, at the Eden Project - May 2006 Live Event for Falmouth Tall Ships Live Event for Gyllyngdune Gardens Live Radio Broadcasts with BBC Radio Cornwall Live Radio on the BBC Worldservice Live BBC TV from St Michael's Mount Inspiration speech at Truro Cathedral
Teaching
John taught part-time at Falmouth Art School for nine years from 1991 to 2000 on many courses, including: BA Illustration, BA Journalism, BA Graphics, Foundation.
St Ives School of Painting
Competitions & Children's Art Projects
John has judged many art competitions, including: Trebah Gardens Easter Egg Painting Competition BBC Radio Tall Ships Painting competition Tall Ships 1998 Tall Ships 2008 Girl guides Centenary Darwin 200 Global Gardens with Kim Wilde Tall Ships 2014 Spirit of the Rainforest 2015
Charity work and NGO work
John's has raised money or awareness for the following charities & organisations: Precious Lives Sail Training Association - Tall Ships Gardens for Schools Save the Children UK Rainforest Rescue International Children in Need Cornwall Gardens Society Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust King Charles Primary School The Eden Project International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain, France International Rice Research Institute, Philippines International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome Born Free Foundation Orangutan Foundation Mind
A selection of questions that have been put to John Dyer
What has influenced your work? Lots of things, my love of paint as a medium is one thing. I really enjoy squeezing out a big lump of paint directly onto the canvas and leaving it; fresh, immediate and sometimes shocking. At other moments I enjoy building up the paint, breaking it down again, layering it, painting over it etc. My work all stems from my enjoyment of the medium. I also have a passion for colour, strong colours, clashing colours, all colours. My last great love is my home county of Cornwall, I love to sit and watch people enjoying themselves on the beaches and in the harbour towns of Cornwall; put this all together and I want to paint, paint big, bright, optimistic pictures of the place I love.
I have also been surrounded by artists and paintings throughout my life, as you probably know my father Ted Dyer is an artist and from a very early age, I have spent time sitting in the environment painting and drawing what I see, not what a camera would see, but what I see.
What other artists have you studied? Matisse, Chagall, Bonnard, the Fauves, Van Gogh.
Which areas in Cornwall do you most enjoy studying? I choose to live in Falmouth because I like the town, its harbour and all of the activity associated with it; boats, tugs, ferry trips, seagulls, people, buildings etc. Falmouth is one of my favourite places to paint. Other places that I really enjoy working at are Coombe, St. Ives, Coverack, Church Cove, Port Loe, Flushing, Cadgwith.
Are your paintings from life or do you use photographs or previous studies? The majority of my work is from life, I spend most fine days from May to October painting outside in some of the places that I have mentioned above. I try to complete the painting by the end of the and include elements that I observe throughout the day, dogs, birds, people, fishermen etc. During the winter when the weather is too poor to work outside I do use drawings and photographs, but I change my work so that it encompasses other elements and is not just a time and place study. e.g the Tall Ships series, animal paintings, work based on the family unit etc.
Where else in the world would you like to study? I have been painting in France in Brittany and Provence & also Spain as well as the Philippines, Costa Rica, Australia and Peru. When I was in Brazil photographing in 1989 I knew that I wanted to paint, and on my return to Cornwall, I discovered that I was living in a tropical paradise.
Would you consider going back to photography and why? No. It is far too limiting and in my opinion, the advent of digital media has destroyed much of the magic and mystery of the medium. I do however still take photographs for my own use, and personal studies. I do not feel that I can fully express my views through the medium and this is why I have moved towards painting. Photography is, however, a fantastic medium and I would still use it for certain subjects.
What contemporary artist do you admire? Hockney, Frost, Heron.
Why did you decide to become a painter and when did you recognise that you had such a creative talent? While I was at college studying design I decided to paint, in some ways it was a reaction to the constraints of design as well as a yearning for the landscape of Cornwall. I was also greatly inspired by the colours that I had seen on my travels in the Brazilian Rainforest. I decided to become a painter when my first four paintings were all published and attracted a great deal of interest. I exhibited one of them and it was sold, but more importantly than the sale it seemed to brighten people, it raised people’s spirits, my optimism for life had been carried through my work and this was something that I had previously failed to achieve. This was the point at which I realised that if I did what I wanted to do it would work, and it was also the point that I suppose I could acknowledge that all of my knowledge and training had come together to create something that I was excited about.
I was told that I was ‘talented’ when I applied to Falmouth School of Art for the foundation course in 1986, and was told that I should consider skipping the course and proceeding directly to the degree level, the same thing occurred when I applied to a degree, I was advised that maybe I was already at that level. However, I ignored all of this advice and found out that I did not know everything, and in fact had an awful lot to learn!
Barbara Hepworth said about the landscape of Cornwall:
“Landscape is strong - it has bones and flesh and skin and hair. it has age and history and a principle behind its evolution”
i) Do you agree with her? Yes, this is a fantastic statement and relates directly to her work.
ii) What would be your personal definition of the Cornish landscapes? I will quote several lines that I have used before, but none answer your question directly as my work is not entirely based on the landscape; but on what happens within the landscape. Here are some:
“Sun, Sea, and Fancy-Free.”
“When the sun comes out in Cornwall, the landscape fills with colour, the light pours over the vegetation filling each leaf with radiant colours and cool waters into Mediterranean delights. “
“I love living in Cornwall, and I love painting. I spend every day that I can out and about painting what I see:
"Bright colours, sunshine and fun, small dogs with damp noses, peeling paint and peeling people; shells on the beach, sea spray in the air, jazz bands in bandstands, picnics on cliff tops, bright coloured smocks, cactus plants on walls, and banana plants in the park; small coves, huge Atlantic beaches, surf and still waters, the red moon on the horizon and stars, comets, and crickets; lighthouses and cottages, fishing boats and floats; theatre on the cliff, getting married on the beach, clear air and big skies; seagulls, greedy gulls, and silly gulls; buckets of crabs, fishermen in yellow oilskins, cats stealing fish, sea pinks and mermaids, ferry boats and flags.
These are just some of the things that inspire my paintings.
My work documents my trips out into the landscape and the things that I enjoy. Through my paintings, I hope to lift people's spirits and provide an optimistic outlook on life.”
What has influenced your interest in art?
As you probably know my father is a well-known artist (Ted Dyer) who has been painting for many years. Our work is very different but growing up surrounded by paintings, paints, easels and art books does have an effect. My father has been very successful with his work and I decided that the lifestyle that an artist can have, the freedom to wander in the landscape with no real pressure or deadlines was a very attractive one. I have lived in Cornwall since the age of four so I have always been aware of the artistic heritage that the county has. I feel very proud to be able to connect to this in some small way. Painting is really good fun, I have always enjoyed it and I find that as long as I paint what I want with the freedom that I enjoy I never tire.
Have you always lived by the sea? If so, Where?
From the age of four until I was eighteen I lived on the north coast of Cornwall with my family at Holywell Bay. I used to spend most of my free time on the beach playing in the rock pools, swimming, flying kites, and occasionally horse riding. I studied for my degree in London and consequently ended up spending five years away from Cornwall. I deliberately moved away from the coast to experience a different way of life, however, the coast of Cornwall is so fundamental to me that I moved back and now live in Falmouth. It was not just the scenery that I moved back for but the quality of air, light, pace of life, and simplicity of living. The move also made me focus on my paintings and rediscover Cornwall for the second time.
In what way does the sea inspire you?
The most amazing thing to me about the sea is the tide. A harbour like St. Ives is totally transformed in a very short space of time by the arrival or departure of the sea. To people from other countries, it is even more amazing because in some parts of the world there is very little tidal movement. St Michaels Mount is another favourite place of mine to watch the tide; people will walk steadily across to the Mount all day and assume that they will be able to walk home. The spectacle of hundreds of people suddenly realising that the path they walked over on is disappearing under several feet of water is very amusing as they rush with prams, children and dogs to wade back to shore.
The other things that I love about the sea are its sounds and the way in which it reflects the sky. The colours that shimmer across its surface are unbelievable and this combined with the colour of the water if it is shallow and over white sand surprises me every time. Often I question some of the colours in my work but if you look it is all there.
I love the way you portray boats, what is your experience of boating?
I used to own a dingy and can still sail one if pushed, but I like the pleasure boats and trips that can be taken on them. The colours that these boats are painted are really wonderful. I am not so keen on modern yachts because they are predominantly white. I am lucky to live in Falmouth because of the variety of boats on the water and I prefer to paint them rather than sail them.
What do you hope to convey through your paintings?
Optimism, fun, life, joy, happiness, the good things in life, the colours that pass people by.
Which artists have inspired your work?
Different artists influence me all the time, I regularly visit collections of paintings. this year I have travelled to Paris twice to see the work in the Pompidou Centre specifically, work by The Fauves, Matisse, and Bonnard. Originally the paintings by Van Gough and Chagall had a big influence.
What tools do you use to apply your paint?
Brushes of different sizes from size 2 to four inches, I also apply paint directly from the tube and with my fingers.
Are there specific colours you like to use in your palette?
Cobalt Blue, Cad yellow, Cad red, Pthalo green shade, Pthalo blue shade...... I use a very wide selection of colours. It is impossible to produce work like mine using only the primary colours as they only mix a certain range of colours. Turquoise blues, bright clear oranges, vibrant pinks, clean purples, lemon yellows etc cannot be mixed. I use about twenty different colours to retain the luminance in my work.
I have noticed that your style of painting has slightly changed over the last few years. What has influenced this?
Until you pointed this out I was not really aware of the change, however, having looked at some of my earlier work I feel that I have simply improved the way in which I paint. The colours are cleaner and there is more energy in the brushwork.
How do you resource your paintings?
I paint the majority of my paintings outside directly from life. My other work comes from within me; mad animals, mermaids, abstract shapes etc. I also paint still lives which I do again from life in the studio.
Runs The BIG Art and Storytelling Tall Ships Project with John Frankland, Philip Mould, Damian Dibben, Dea Birkett, Maxwell Golden, James Graham and Paul Farmer.
Appointed as an Artist for the Earth by EarthDay.org for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
2021
Creates the Mind Cornwall art auction 'What comes to Mind when you think of Cornwall' to raise money for better mental health in Cornwall. Supported by Toyah Willcox, Kim Wilde, Philip Mould OBE, Alan Titchmarsh MBE, Anthony Frost, Joe Lycett, Jeffrey Archer, Sir Tim Smit, Robin Hanbury-Tenison OBE, Tim Shaw RA and many others.
2023
Travels to Kenya to paint the wildlife and with the Maasai tribe with the Born Free Foundation
First exhibition at the Crypt Gallery St Ives Society of Artists
Travels to Corfu for the first time to paint the coast and draw using iPad and Procreate
Diagnosed at the age of 56 with Level 1 autism spectrum disorder (ASD), formerly known as Asperger's syndrome, and ADHD, the artist's condition offers insight into his distinctive perspective on the world. His unique approach to painting is further enhanced by synesthesia, which allows him to experience vivid colours while listening to classical music. This combination of neurological traits deeply influences his creative process, resulting in artwork that reflects an extraordinary way of seeing and interpreting the world around him.
This painting was produced as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘Darwin 200 celebrations’. Falmouth Art Gallery worked in partnership with Newquay Zoo on a season of celebratory exhibitions to mark the occasion. John Dyer was appointed as ‘Darwin 200 artist in residence’, and had access to many of the zoo’s animal enclosures.
This picture was begun at 5 am as the animals awoke for their morning feeding. The man holding the torch is Newquay Zoo's Education Officer, Mark Norris, who is showing an early morning party round the zoo. John has included a portrait of himself at his easel, and a ‘Happy Birthday’ banner for Darwin.
Before he begins a painting John deliberates long and hard, working out how to interpret the subject into his own personal vision and capture the ‘essence’ that will trigger emotions in the viewer. He then works extremely quickly to capture the spontaneity of the moment. In this he has cleverly captured the complex layout of the zoo to include nearly all the resident animals as well as some visiting bats and seagulls.
Title: Garden of Eden, The Eden Project. 2001
Size: 33 x 40 inches
Medium: Acrylic on board
Location: The Eden Project
Description:
Purchased as part of the Eden opening celebrations 2001
Held in the Eden permanent collection
This painting was painted as part of John Dyer's with the Eden Project in Cornwall.
The painting is on display at the Eden Project in their Foundation building.
The Eden Project used the painting for their launch and a large range of arts and the image is known the world over as an integral part of The Eden Project's early identity and vision.
John Dyer continues to explore themes with the Eden Project and around the world.
Title: Bathers in the Blue, St Ives. 2006
Size: 24 x 24 inches
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Location: Sunrise Centre, Royal Cornwall Hospital, UK
Description:
Held in the public collection of the NHS Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust
Title: Rice and Hope, Beat Poverty. 2003
Size: 33 x 40 inches
Medium: Acrylic on board
Location: Save the Children UK, Hinton Room.
Description:
Painted to launch the Beat Poverty Campaign for Save the Children at the Eden Project
Held in the public collection of Save the Children UK
Save the Children UK asked John Dyer to help them to launch the 'Beat Poverty' campaign at the Eden Project on 7 October 2003. Visitors to the project saw John at work in the Humid Tropics Biome painting a new Eden painting highlighting the importance of rice.
Each person that signed up to the campaign on the day at Eden was included in the historical painting.
The painting, 'Rice and Hope', measures 33 x 40 inches, acrylic on board, and is framed. It is full of life and colour.
John Dyer was also the resident artist for the UN year of Rice working at the International Rice Research Institute, IRRI, in the Philippines. Launching the International Year of Rice 2004, the Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Dr Jacques Diouf, said that "rice is the staple food for over half of the world's population" but warned that "its production is facing serious constraints."
Title: Amazing in the Maze in May, Glendurgan Garden. 2005
Size: 33 x 40 inches
Medium: Acrylic on board
Location: The National Trust, Glendurgan Garden, Cornwall.
Description:
Painted in 2005 and purchased by The National Trust
Held in the public collection of Glendurgan
"It is a very special painting of one of the most entertaining, visually exciting and historically important gardens in Cornwall, and for the National Trust and the team at Glendurgan to be so inspired by it that they wish to own it is not only very but a real honour." John Dyer 2005.
Steven Porter, Head Gardener at Glendurgan says:
"We were mesmerised by the painting when we first saw it and we are over the moon to now have it on display at Glendurgan. It will prove to be popular with our visitors, and hopefully be an image that people will want to take home with them. We are also using the painting to kick-start a collaboration with King Charles Primary School in Falmouth, of which John is a governor. We aim to develop the pupil's interest in plants, gardening and the environment. It is hoped that this painting will inspire the children from this and other schools to paint and take an active and creative interest in the garden."
Held in the public collection of art at Falmouth Art Gallery, Cornwall, UK
Dyer, John (born 1968): Gateway to Cornwall - the Brunell 200 celebrations, signed, acrylic on canvas, 61 x 61cms. Commissioned with funding from Brunel 200, an initiative of Bristol Cultural Development Partnership - Arts Council England South West, Heritage Lottery Fund, Bristol City Council and Business West.
The painting was commissioned by the late Brian Stewart, the former director of Falmouth Art Gallery for the Brunel 200 celebrations. Brian and John spent an afternoon at Paradise Park in Cornwall looking at the birds and wildlife. By the end of the John had drawn the basic composition of 'Gateway to Cornwall' on the back of a napkin in the café. Many of the elements in the painting were mentioned by Brian during their conversations and the work includes the artist, his wife and children as subjects.
Purchased by Gyllyngdune Gardens to celebrate the success of John Dyer's 2012 residency at Gyllyngdune Gardens.
This painting was produced as part of the residency at Gyllyngdune Gardens that artist John Dyer completed in 2012. The painting captures not only the restoration of the gardens but also the Diamond Jubilee year celebrations that were held in the gardens.
Title: Peckish Penguins. 2009
Size: 24 x 24 inches
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Location: Falmouth Art UK
Description:
Purchased as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Darwin 200 celebrations.
Held in the public collection of art at Falmouth Art Gallery, Cornwall, UK
Title: Messing about on the River, Falmouth. 2010
Size: 33 x 40 inches
Medium: Acrylic on board
Location: Sunrise Centre, Royal Cornwall Hospital, UK
Description: Held in the public collection of the NHS Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust
Title: Sailing towards the Roseland. 2008
Size: 24 x 24 inches
Medium: Acrylic on canvas Click for information on framing
Location: Sunrise Centre, Royal Cornwall Hospital, UK
Description: Painted for the 2008 Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta.
Held in the public collection of the NHS Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust
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Julie Walker
Gylly
Having grown up on Gyllyngvase Road this picture just brings so many memories each time I look at it. Bright and colourful to make anyone happy . Like all of Johns pictures there is so much to look at and never a disappointment.
Limited Edition Print by Cornish Artist John Dyer. 'Tropical Days at Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth'. Cornwall Art Gallery Print
Carole Pelton
Second of Two Prints
Purchased 2 large prints for spare room. Just what i wanted. Nicely framed and worth the cost. Arrived quickly and well packaged. Delightful print.
John Dyer Framed Open Edition Cornish Art Print. 'Mediterranean St Mawes, Cornwall'. Cornwall Art Gallery
Carole Pelton
Cornish Boats Print
Just what i wanted for the spare room. Beautifully framed and colourful, so that my guests wake up to a pretty Cornish scene! Came quickly and well packaged. Very happy.
John Dyer Framed Open Edition Cornish Fine Art Print. 'Boats in the Harbour on a High Tide, St Ives'. Cornwall Art Gallery
Melanie Levy
Stunning print
This print is beautiful, the colours are vivid and well defined. I find it very peaceful to look at.
Ted Dyer Fine Art Print. Open Edition Cornish Art Print. 'Clear Waters, Tresco'. Cornwall Art Gallery
Anne Billing
Castle Beach
Very pleased with the print. Only wish I purchased the original some years ago.
Ted Dyer Fine Art Print. Open Edition Cornish Art Print. 'Clear Water, Castle Beach, Falmouth'. Cornwall Art Gallery
Lisa Mortimer
Super Print
Lovely, colourful print, which now graces our hall. A wonderful reminder of the many happy times spent as a family at Mawgan Porth.
Vintage Style Travel Art Poster Print of Mawgan Porth, Cornwall by Cornish Artist Joanne Short
Christine Pilgrim
Delightful
Perfect reminder of our time spent on the Roseland peninsula. Love the art style too. Thank you.
Vintage Style Seaside Travel Poster Art Print by Cornish Artist Joanne Short of St Anthony Lighthouse, Roseland in Cornwall
Bruce Webb
Beautiful picture and super service
We are thrilled with Joanne's stunning picture of Godrevy, which is a joy to look at every day on the wall of an upstairs lounge. We love visiting different places on the coast of Cornwall, including Godrevy, and this painting is a lovely reminder of the county's natural beauty, which has been wonderfully captured.
We were also highly impressed with how smooth and efficient the processes of ordering the work was, with the speed of the delivery and the careful and excellent packaging which ensured it arrived in pristine condition.
'Wild Flowers on the Cliff, Godrevy'. 12x12 inches oil on canvas. Paintings of Cornwall by Cornish Artist Joanne Short from our Cornwall Art Gallery
Julie Walker
Beautiful
Arrived safe and sound
Still need to frame ,it so it’s not on display yet unfortunately.
Can’t wait to see it up on display
Limited Edition Print by Cornish Artist John Dyer. Sea Holly and Skylarks, Holywell Bay Beach, Cornwall.
Kate Bees
Beautiful
This will look lovely in my daughters newly decorated room
St Mawes Harbour Art Prints of Cornwall by Cornish Artist Joanne Short. Vintage Style Beach Poster Print Art for Homes. Cornwall Art Gallery
paul mcnicholas
Gorran Haven
A fantastic representation of our favourite Cornish place. Love the vibrancy of the colours. I’m sure we will return for another one.
'Summer Flowers, Gorran Haven', 12x12 inches oil on canvas. Painting by Cornish Artist Joanne Short. Cornish Art from our Cornwall Art Gallery
Sarah M.
Beautiful print
Great service from the gallery. Very quick response to questions and print arrived extremely well packaged. Bought as a leaving gift for a colleague-the quality is exceptional. Was hesitant to buy online without seeing but the print was even better than in the photos. Would recommend highly
Limited Edition French Print of Sunflowers by John Dyer. 'Fields of Colour, Bonnieux, Provence'.
MJ Tamblyn
Tresco Abbey Gardens and St Michael’s Mount on our window seat!
Everything about the cushions was as expected…looking forward to more stunning designs and items . MJ Tamblyn
Underwater Wonders St Michael's Mount Whale, Art Cushion by John Dyer
Judy Mackay-Marks
Holywell Bay
Holywell Bay is a very special place and this artwork captures everything we love about it from choughs, skylarks, Burnet moths and seagulls to the sandy beach and joyful people.
Vintage Style Seaside Travel Art Poster Print by Cornish Artist John Dyer. Holywell Bay Beach Cornwall
Elaine Bacon
Beautiful Tresco picture!
A stunning picture that was efficiently delivered to Amsterdam in a very short time frame.
Ted Dyer Framed Open Edition Cornish Fine Art Beach Print. 'White Sands Pentle Bay, Tresco'. Cornwall Art Gallery
