" I have been captivated by art, for as nearly as long as I can recall. All around me I see lines, colours, shapes and textures. This has a profound effect, and I want to respond to it by making my own visual images. Art has its own language and evokes passion in different forms. My responses also take on different forms, drawing, writing and painting. I enjoy experimenting with materials and concepts.

In recent work, I also want a tactile element, so I have used mask making. It adds a sculptural element to my work. I have used it to represent a common theme in my work, which is using the Cantonese Opera painted mask.

The human body and portraits are a common subject of my art. Working with models is a source of inspiration. Trying to capture the way that a person is sitting, the expression on their face or the way they move is fascinating.
My art is the way I record these observations and feelings. "

John McArthur has held solo exhibitions and participated in group shows in Hong Kong and overseas. His work is a combination of drawing, calligraphy, and painting. It is included in private collections in Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and the United Kingdom.

John was formally trained in visual arts, majoring in painting and drawing at U.S.Q Australia. He has continued studying by attending various courses at calligraphy schools and art workshops in Hong Kong, Australia, Italy and the U.S.A.

Within Hong Kong, John is a member of a number of organisations in the artistic community. These include the "Alpha Beta Club", a western calligraphy group in Hong Kong, the "Creative Figure Studio" - a life drawing group, The Fringe Club and The Cattle Depot.

Although an Australian artist, John has been a resident of Hong Kong since 1999.