Born in Glasgow, John graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1990 and from the Royal College of Art in 1993 specialising in printed and mixed media textiles.Both courses played a great importance, not only on design and colour but also drawing and painting, especially at Glasgow.The self direction of the courses allowed him to experiment with painting while still working as a freelance textile designer selling paper and fabric designs to furnishing and fashion companies in Europe, Japan and the USA.

John's paintings are inspired from observations of urban and domestic life. They are captured moments rather than portraits of people, ordinary, everyday events occasionally worked into themes. His paintings are humorous but also perceptive and affectionate observations of his subjects.

John has been exhibiting regularily with London galleries, among others Lena Boyle,Pryory Art,Cadogan Contemporary, Piers Feetham, Thompson's, StART Space and Modern Artists Gallery, as well as exhibitions in Glasgow, Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Edinburgh,  Miami and New York.

His work is also included in The Fleming Collection, London as well as numerous private collections.

John is also currently employed as a Visiting Lecturer on the BA Textiles/FdA Surface Design course at Norwich University College of the Arts.