Hello! Thank you for visiting my website!

My name is John. I am a local Chicago artist (and nurse) who specializes in oil paintings and portraiture.

My art has developed over years through perseverance, attention to detail, and a passion to better myself with each new piece. I might call my style “realistic impressionism.” I strive for detail, accuracy, and color matching, but my art is best admired when standing a few steps back.

You will not find ‘micro-details’ or realism beyond that of shape, color, and portraiture, but from a distance you might think it’s a photograph!

While nursing is my full-time career, painting has and remains my passion. My free time is consumed with it! I found a knack for wedding painting when a wonderful couple reached out to me from instagram on a whim. They suggested I should give live wedding painting a try, and why not start with their ceremony?

I have loved doing wedding paintings ever since!

I am eager to work with you and your fiancé to best bring to life your vision.

-John M Kates