In 1974, a sixteen year old (ADHD and gifted) boy successfully answered his father's dare by making a copy of a professional's landscape painting. When the copy was seen by a local pastor (who mistook John for an artist), he was immediately asked to do a major commission. Not withstanding the fact that he had never painted before, had no art training or artistic aspirations, he accepted the offer. Six months later, the result was a 2,275 square-feet tapestry-like mural inside one of the largest temples in the island of Puerto Rico. With this daring move, John Rivera-Resto was hurled into the world of art.
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Since then, John has utilized his fifty years of artistic training and experience working in the fields of fine art, performing arts, art education, film, creative writing, and visual design. While Cleveland audiences primarily know him as a master muralist, designer, and lecturer, his works have made him a favorite with private collectors and the general public. However, it is surprising to many that, despite John's remarkable skill with the brush, this reticent artist prefers the pen as his creative instrument of choice. In fact, all of his major works begin with a written description, down to the smallest detail, of what the finished work will look like.
Being an artist born from two cultures, two languages, and two very different eras, and being a person experienced in life's many unexpected twists and turns since his youth, John is an explosive combination of pragmatism and romantic idealism expressed
in a variety of creative ways. Browsing the pages of this website will introduce you to John's art in a sincere and entertaining way. The fact that his eclectic and prodigious body of work appears to have been produced by several completely different individuals
adds a new level of interest to both reading and viewing. For a quick look at the chronology of his work, take a look at the
Defining John's distinctive artistic style is a futile exercise. He doesn't seem to follow any predetermined path in a life that seems governed by unpredictable twists of fate. In fact, he never attempted to forge an artistic career. Even more intriguing is the fact that he never
paints unless someone commissions him. But, contradictions aside, his creative output amply demonstrates his great control, practice, knowledge, and discipline in both his thoughts and actions. His mind never rests. When he's not busy with painting commissions, doing
theater (writing, producing, designing, directing, acting), learning new things, or doing community work, John hopes to one day resume his lifelong efforts of trying to take it easy. He might even spend more time with his children -
John has earned a B.A. in Art Education from
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John's relaxation therapy team: |
To date, John is considered to be one of the top muralists in the United States as well as one of the most gifted and dynamic art lecturers anywhere. But he considers the greatest fortune of his
In his spare time, John spoils his two Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pups,
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Click on the picture to find out. |