John Stockwell is an artist based in the lush hinterland of Maleny, Queensland.
For a decade he worked as a portrait artist, honing his skill in capturing the human face with precision and sensitivity. Eventually, though, the pull of pure imagination became too strong to ignore. He set aside realism and began creating bold, quirky, exaggerated characters—wide-eyed women with swirling gazes, outsized lips, and a mischievous energy that leaps off the page.
His current works are playful, slightly absurd, and unapologetically expressive. Bright colours, distorted features, and unexpected scenarios (Glittering fish, lurking cats, floating skulls) combine to create scenes that feel both humorous and oddly haunting.
John’s art is about letting the subconscious run the show—turning everyday moments into surreal little stories that make you pause, smile, and look twice.
You can find his original drawings and limited-edition prints exclusively on Bluethumb