Question: After 40 years of running a very successful graphic design/events company, you closed up shop and decided to become a full time painter! What was behind that decision?

Before covid we specialized in branding and invitations for large scale fundraising events. Overnight all events were cancelled, and I decided I would start painting more. I wanted to pivot into what brought me happiness, which is when I’m painting. I had always wanted to be a painter and now was my chance to pursue my real passion. I had also reached a level where I could afford to do what pleased me and not worry about making money.

Question: You always knew in your heart and soul that you were a painter and got serious about it in your forties. What advice would you give to someone who left a creative passion behind and wants to pick it up again? What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a brand new creative journey?

The creative process is always with you and just needs to be watered and nurtured. I would advise someone to not worry about being perfect at your passion and just enjoy the process and the people you will meet.

Perfection is the enemy of the possible. The secret to life is enjoying the passage of time as said by the musician James Taylor. When I turned 50 a friend asked me if I felt old, and I said I felt young, for I have 50 more years to paint. You can take baby steps, and start doing creative things while you are working and have a balance of work and play until you are ready to totally jump in. Any creative journey stimulates your mind and soul and is good for challenging you – and helps keep your brain fit and working.

Question: You are a student and on the Board of the Art Students League in New York City. Tell us about that institution. Is it open to everyone?

The Art Students League of New York is over 150 years old and is a place where you can get a locker and take classes and create in all types of mediums. Painting, sculpture, watercolors, portraiture, jewelry making, the list is endless, and it is very affordable. You can sign up for classes for a month or take a workshop for a

day or weekend. Thousands of the world’s most famous artists studied here. Mark Rothko, Norman Rockwell, Hans Hoffman, Louise Nevelson, and the list goes on, all ages are welcome, from 6 to over 100 years old.

Painting website: www.johnkneaplerpaintings.com
Instagram: @johnkneaplerpaintings
E-mail: john@johnkneaplerdesign.com