Biography

- Beginnings -

Born in 1980 into a family of rich artistic heritage, John Haag was surrounded by great art at an early age. His father, an accomplished oil painter in his own right, always had a studio in the home and some of John’s earliest memorys are of watching his father painting and going to art shows his father had entered.

Although growing up amidst paint fumes and trips to galleries, Haag never tried his own hand at painting until after graduating from high school. "I never felt any desire to draw or paint myself, but looking back I realize that the process was fascinating to me and that I would watch and listen intently at an early age"

Those seeds would later surface while working construction after finishing school. "I was working a long day alone and had been thinking a great deal about what I should pursue as a career. I was overcome by a strong impression that I should pursue art." John acted on that impression and purchased a set of charcoals on the way home that day and sketched his first portrait that night. "I had a great feeling of satisfaction come over me and began to look through my father’s art books and magazines. I came across a painting that immediately affected me in a profound way. The way that painting was able to capture and express mood and feeling seemed almost magical to me. I felt as if I was transported into the image itself. It was then that I knew that I wanted to be an artist."

- Career -

After serving a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the eastern states, John returned home and pursued painting full time. Immersing himself in the study of past and modern masters, Haag quickly received commissions and at the age of 22 had his first one-man show in Park City, Utah.

John Haag has since had four one-man shows in Utah, Colorado and California, and his paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States and parts of Europe. He has received awards from the Springville Museum of Art, and is on permanent display at the Provo Art Center, in Provo Utah.

Haag has received portrait commissions from many prominent Utahans has received landscapes commissions throughout the United States.

-His Art -

In a modern world where anything creative is praised as "art", John has focused his creative powers on creating work that "uplifts and enriches". With juicy and direct brushwork he boldly captures the subtle beauty and spirit of his many subjects. Setting aside the modern trends to rely upon technology, Haag has chosen to follow in the footsteps of the great masters of the 19th century by taking his canvas to the source itself, striving to powerfully capture the essence of his subjects. "I simply paint what moves me, life as it is and can become."

He adds, "Painting is more then a mere recording of something, it is an expression of the spirit of that person. For that brief moment, you are seeing more then just an image, you are seeing them."