John W. Clark pursues painting as an end in itself, as well as a means to exploring themes related to architecture and design. He is especially interested in work that unites the concerns of various disciplines. At a time when so much process is becoming computerized, he considers painting especially important because it deals directly with form, harmony, color and theme: freely, and independently of technical demands.

John has won national design and design/build competitions. He has been recognized for his architectural work for a series of innovative projects. Recent work includes master planning projects in China. He has designed a broad range of projects ranging from large-scale municipal, institutional and educational facilities to high-rise, multi-use office and hotel complexes. John has completed a wide variety of significant projects involving urban planning, municipal, historic and contextual design.

His architecturally-themed paintings have been widely exhibited, and are included in various collections, including the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. He studied at the University of Illinois, Ecole des Beaux Arts (Versailles), Northwestern University and at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he was also on the Faculty.