Hometown Strathroy September 2025

RICHARD HADDOW Sales Representative Free Appraisals! HADDOWSTTHOMAS.CA • 519-495-0789

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Finding the Story to Paint For John Ziler, one of The Art Group – Strathroy Caradoc’s newest members, the best part of painting is telling a story. He loves capturing a moment in time that draws the viewer into the scene, encour- aging them to create a story from what they see.

error and by taking a few art courses at Fanshawe College. “It was well before the internet when I started as a young boy,” John adds. “Books and the library were a great help in learning techniques.” John appreciates all forms of painting, but he is drawn to realism when creating his own work. He primarily paints with acrylic but also dabbles in oils and watercolours, working from photographs, drawing the scenes and then painting in the blocks and detail. Over the years, John has found that art has trained his mind to become more observant of the world around him. It’s also helped him leave the negativity of that world behind. “Painting is such a constructive diversion,” he explains. “You can become so im - mersed in it that time passes incredibly fast.” For John, the ultimate reward in painting comes when he sells a piece and realizes that someone thought his work was good enough to adorn their home. Molly Maid John knows his work appeals to at least one person. Laughing, he shares the story of how a painting in a local thrift store caught his eye one day. “I bought it, took it home and found my name on it dated 2002.” To see more of John’s work or to learn more about The Art Group – Strathroy Caradoc, visit www.theartgroupstrathroy.com.

“Being a farm boy, I enjoy painting rural settings with old buildings which always have a story. It’s interesting to imagine what that story is,” John explains. Growing up on a farm near Dashwood, west of Exeter, John was always drawing, colouring and painting with watercolours from an old tin box. “I’ve done it for as long as I can remember,” he adds. “I wanted to be an automotive designer as a young boy and spent many hours drawing cars.” John became an elementary teacher instead and taught for 32 years, including art, where he taught his students drawing, pot- tery, and painting with watercolours. At 82, John’s longest-running student has been himself. He is a self-taught artist who learned to draw and paint through trial and Kung Fu & Tai Chi School EXPERIENCE MARTIAL ARTS AND WELLNESS BOOK A TRIAL CLASS AT https://kungfu-taichi.ca Dedicated classes for children • Day Camps Classes for teens, adults and seniors. (226) 998-8703 Enhance Physical Health, Confidence and Self Esteem with Sifu Carlos Ferraz 190 Wortley Rd. Martial Arts and Wellness Programs in the Heart of Wortley Village

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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc September 2025

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