John  followed a career in professional football for thirty years, playing for Doncaster Rovers, Preston North End, Newcastle United and Hartlepool.  He then managed Hartlepool United, York City and Halifax Town before becoming a full time artist.

During his time at Newcastle United he opened his own Art Gallery, which he successfully ran for eight years holding several exhibitions, including two in Stavanger, Norway.

His paintings have been sold all over the world, recipients include Prince Edward and the Duchess of Wessex, The Governor of Hong Kong, Lesley Garrett and Russell Crowe.  Many companies have commissioned him, including Allied Irish Banks, Barclays Bank and Newcastle United F.C.

His continued success led to the formation of Era Prints supplying many outlets the length and breadth of Great Britain with signed prints of his originals.  These included English Heritage, National Trust, The Wild Life Trust, The English Tourist Board and Hamleys of London.  Daler Rowney recently used one of his paintings to illustrate one of their art boxes for worldwide distribution.

In 2006 he was one of 25 artists selected to take part in the ‘Drawings from Turner’ project.  All work was undertaken at Tate Britain and his representation of a Turner sketch was part of an exhibition there.

Based at his gallery in Bawtry, Doncaster, where he exhibits his works, he is also busy supplying other galleries nation-wide.