About the Artist

I've been painting architectural perspectives and watercolour illustrations for over twenty years. After qualifying as an architect in 1982, I spent five years working in theatre design in several countries, for Theatre Projects Consultants and The Arts Team.  Later I became a professional architectural photographer.  Since 1990 my illustrations have helped to promote the architectural concepts of many of the most successful designers in the world.  I can set up 3D images from plans and elevations, or from loose design concepts. I am also happy to work from 3D computer images.  I use a large format scanner to give all clients a high resolution scan of the final artwork.

The finished paintings are often treated more as works of art than just promotional images - some clients like to frame and keep my architectural perspectives, or present them as gifts to the building owner. 

As a fine art painter I'm an elected member of The Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the Royal Society of Marine Artists, the Wapping Group of Artists, and the Chelsea Art Society, and I've exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.  My painting of the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace, which is now on display in the Chapel, is the first to be authorised by the monarch for 200 years.  In 2017 I presented the Queen with print no. 1 of a Limited Edition, which will hang in the Royal Collection.  I have regular solo and group exhibitions of my oil paintings and watercolours.  I often paint "en plein air", outdoors in front of the subject.  Many of these paintings can be seen at my fine art website, walsom.art.  I've been commissioned to produce the painting for the "Oxford Almanack" - an annual publication of the Oxford University Press since 1674. Previously commissioned artists include JMW Turner, John Piper, David Gentleman and Sir Hugh Casson.

I'm used to deadlines and approach all commissions in a professional and businesslike way, but I'm friendly and adaptable, and I understand the complexities of designing a successful project. I'm a member of the Association of Illustrators and the Society of Architectural Illustration. In my spare time I'm a musician.

My studio is in Kingston Upon Thames, 30 minutes from central London. If you'd like to get an idea of prices, a specific quotation for a job, or to make a general enquiry, please contact me here.

Clients Include:

See the Testimonials page for comments from previous clients.

You can commission an original portrait of an existing building in watercolour, oils or acrylics by visiting the John Walsom Online Gallery. Here you can also buy original paintings and Limited Edition Prints.