John Weiss

Artist Biography

"My career is a love affair,' says John Weiss. "The love of God and the talent He's given me, the love of life, the love of my subject matter. And the love of sharing all of these gifts with others through paintings and the stories they tell.' Weiss developed his appreciation for man's best friend during his childhood in Akron, Ohio. "I've always loved dogs,' John says. "When I was a little boy my aunt Marian bought me a National Geographic book on dogs and I dove into it.'

His father was a draftsman to whom John credits his disciplined approach to art. He drew throughout his childhood and developed his skill in high school art classes. On a trip to Maine, he saw an exhibit of Andrew Wyeth's art, prints and posters, which inspired him to pursue art while attending Kent State University. After college, Weiss went into the landscape business. With the support of his wife, Tammy, he began painting full time. "I'm essentially self-taught,” he says, "having studied the work of artists I admire and learn from their methods and techniques. Experience is the best teacher.” John has painted some of the most important dogs of our time, having the joy and privilege of meeting and making many four-legged friends worldwide, and his avid and loyal collectors include many prominent families.

John's art, prints and posters are reproduced as calendars, mugs, notepads, Christmas cards and notecards. "I paint for the love of dogs the many emotions they share. Some paintings are deeper emotional metaphors than other, but my hope is that they each capture the joy and encouragement of their faithful subjects. I'm truly blessed to be able to paint every day, and am thrilled to share my enjoyment with others through my work.”

John Weiss Art, Prints and Posters Collection