John Holyfield was orphaned as a child in West Virginia and raised by his grandmothers, showing an early interest in art. He studied graphic design in college but switched his focus to fine arts. Realizing the appeal of his work, he became a leading African American artist known for paintings capturing rural southern life with themes of family, spirituality, and culture.

2. Born and raised in Clarksburg, West Virginia, John Holyfield was orphaned
and reared by his grandmothers. Early in childhood, his interest in art was
evident. Encouraged by teachers, family and friends, he studied art
throughout school and went on to Howard University and the university of
D.C. to major in graphic design. John's interests, however, soon switched to
the finer arts. Realizing the appeal of his works, he entered the art market
and has become a leading African-American artist. John's work has a strong
southern folksy feel, capturing the essence of rural life. John paints with
the maturity of a much older artist through the use of images that seem
from an era past, yet with timeless messages. John's main themes are
family, spirituality, and culture.

38. END28-SEPTIEMBRE-2015