John Paul Strain Historical artist Artist - John Paul Strain

    John Paul Strain (born September 22, 1955 in Nashville, Tennessee) is best known for his realistic paintings of scenes from American history.  For the first 15 years of his career he painted numerous original oil paintings of the American west.  His landscapes, wildlife paintings, and depictions of Indian life were represented by major western art galleries and art auctions in the United States.  During this time, he began using gouache as well as oils.  In 1991 when Strain began painting scenes from the American Civil War he became more widely known, and he began selling lithographic prints of his paintings.  These Civil War historical paintings are larger and have much more detail than the western paintings, and each one is meticulously researched, so one painting can take up to three months to create. He has also done other historical scenes, such as the Lewis and Clark expedition (Spirit of Discovery) and World War II (Bastogne, Omaha Beach, and Utah Beach).  

Books: Mr. Strain is the author of two books, "Witness to the Civil War" and "The Art of John Paul Strain." His work has been featured in numerous books such as Contemporary Western Artists by Peggy and Harold Samuels, The Artists of Trailside Galleries by Christine Mollring, Tennessee's Civil War Battlefields by Randy Bishop, The Devastating Hand of War by Richard A. Sauers, Basil Wilson Duke, CSA by Gary Robert Matthews, Morgan is Coming by Betty J. Gorin, Maps of the Civil War by David Phillips, The Three Battles of Winchester A history and Guided Tour by Brandon H. Beck and Charles S. Grunder, Bright Starry Banner by Alden R. Carter, Daring Raiders by David Phillips, Nathan Bedford Forrest by Lochlainn Seabrook, Rebel Raider by James A Ramage, The Battle of Stones River Civil War Series by William G. Robertson, and many others.

Television: Magazine covers: North and South vol.9 #5, vol.6#6, vol.7#6, vol.6#4, vol.7#1, vol.10#6, vol.7#2, vol. 5#2, vol.4#3, vol.7#3, vol.7#4, vol.4#1, vl.3#2, vol.2#4, vol.1#6, vol.3#5, vol.11#3, vol.7#5, vol.9#2, vol.9#7, vol.11#1, vol.7#5, vol.8#2, vol.8#7, vol.8#4, vol.8#3, vol.8#1. America's Civil War Nov 1999, Jan1994, May1996, Jan2000, Nov1997, Nov2001, May2003, Wild West April 2004, Confederate Veteran Magazine vol. 3 1999, vol. 3 2000, vol.4 2001, Civil War Magazine Dec 1997, April 1996, World War II Magazine Nov 1999, Maryland Cracker Barrel October 1993, Awards: Donations to historical organizations: Museums:

         For over 30 years American artist John Paul Strain has been amazing art collectors with his unique talent of capturing moments in time from the early days of the American Frontier, the glory and pageantry of the American Civil War, to contemporary scenic and romantic locations across the world.  

From the early age of 21, Mr. Strain's paintings were represented by Trailside Galleries, America's most prestigious western art gallery.

In 1991 Mr. Strain broadened his subjects to include historical art of the American Civil War. During the next 17 years Mr. Strain focused his work on the world of daring horseback raids and epic battles with great armies and leaders, capturing and preserving a unique era in history. Over a period of years, Mr. Strain became known as America's leading historical artist, with over 50 magazine covers featuring his paintings. His work is featured in books, movies, and film. Mr. Strain's book, “A Witness to the Civil War” released in November 2002 was a best seller for his publisher and quickly sold out of it's first printing. The book is unusual among art books in that it is written by the artist. The Scholastic Resources Company purchased over 3 thousand copies of the edition for school libraries across the US. His new book is scheduled to be released in 2009. Strain’s paintings have helped to raise funds for many historical restoration projects and battlefield preservation organizations. The National Park Service uses his images in their publications and at battlefield sites. A number of historical private institutions have on site displays featuring his work such as General JEB Stuart’s home and estate, and General Jubal Early's boyhood home.

Mr. Strain and his paintings were also featured on the television shows of C-Span's Washington Journal, The History Channel, and Extreme Makeover Home Edition.  Throughout his career he has won many awards for his art.  Reproductions of his work have won numerous 1st place awards and “Best of Show” honors, such as the PICA Awards, The Printing Industry of the Carolinas, and just recently at the PIAG 2008 Awards in Georgia, he won the Top Gold Award for his painting "New Year's Wish", and Best Of Category Giclée for "Fire In the Sky". Strain is also a featured artist for internationally know collector art companies the Bradford Exchange and the Franklin Mint, where he has created a Civil War Chess Set, several limited edition plate series, sculptures, and many other collectable items featuring his paintings.  Mr. Strain has also completed a number of commissioned works for the United States Army, which are on permanent display at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Fort McNair, Washington D.C., and the battlefield visitor's center at Normandy, France.  Today, Mr. Strain's original paintings can be found in many noted museums such as the Museum of Fredericksburg, South Georgia Relics Museum, and at Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello.  His work is included in many private fine art collections, corporate collections, and is owned by dignitaries such as United States Senators, Congressmen and a number of State Governors.