John Howitt was born in Detroit , and grew up in Toledo and Atlanta .  His interest in art began in early childhood, and he has been making drawings for as long as he can remember.  His artistic interests were not limited to drawing, though; by age ten, he was also writing poetry extensively.  By the time he was a teenager, he was winning awards for his paintings, drawings, and writing. 

 

In four consecutive years he had earned scholarships to Kent State University ’s summer Blossom studio art program.  While a student there, he focused on methods, materials and techniques of classical painting.  John also has a deep and abiding love for jazz music, and during his time at Kent State he studied jazz bass, and participated in several musical projects.  Many of his paintings embrace the aesthetic of jazz music and poetry, and reflect his love of this American art form.

 

He feels that there are common themes in all of these expressions of art.

 

John’s everyday life reflects his love of many art forms.  He spends time each day writing, drawing, painting, and playing music.  He is currently working on a compilation of short stories which focus on the experience of living in Cleveland for the past ten years, and is also working on a group of poster-sized photographs of Americana .  John is working on composing electronic music as well, and enjoys playing music live whenever he can.

 

His favorite medium, though, and the one to which he is most dedicated, is painting.