Bio
John Clancy
John Clancy, a contemporary portrait artist hailing from Albany, New York, has made a remarkable impact in the art world through his distinctive blend of various mediums and his deep understanding of portraiture. His artistic journey began at an early age when he won first place in a regional art contest for his striking metal sculpture titled “The Seed” during junior high school. This early recognition ignited a passion for art that would shape his entire career.
Clancy pursued his artistic education over four years, earning a degree in both advertising and fine art. This interdisciplinary background has enriched his artistic practice, allowing him to approach portraiture from a unique perspective. His commitment to honing his skills led him to study portraiture and the intricate art of sumi-e painting under the esteemed artist Yuki Tashiro for nine years. Tashiro, renowned for his work as a portrait artist for the United States Army, imparted invaluable knowledge that deepened Clancy's appreciation for the subtleties and complexities of portrait painting, anatomy and the art form semi-e.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Clancy was actively involved in the art community, serving as a board member for the Sumi-e Society of America and a curator for one of their shows held at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Great River, NY . His dedication to promoting sumi-e painting reflects his commitment not only to his craft but also to fostering the appreciation of traditional art forms.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Clancy has spent the last 15 years as a production manager for the Harlem Fine Art Show, where he has been instrumental in bringing together artists and audiences to celebrate the rich diversity of artistic expression within the African American community.
Clancy's work is characterized by his versatility in working with multiple mediums, including watercolor, oils, and acrylics, allowing him to capture the essence of his subjects with depth and sensitivity. Known for his contemporary portraits and paintings, Clancy continues to inspire and connect with viewers, creating a dialogue that bridges the past and present through his art. His journey, marked by early accolades and continued dedication to his craft, positions him as a significant figure in the contemporary art landscape.
Education
1968 - 1969 Hudson Valley Community College
1970 - 1972 Farmingdale University College
1971 Non Commissioned Officers School (West Point)
1980 - 1989 Private Art Instruction with Yuki Tashiro
1988 The Arts Student League, NYC
1997 - 1998 The Portrait Club of America
Exhibitions
1980 Belanthi Art Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
1981 Belanthi Art Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
1981 Salmagundi Club, NY, NY
1981 The Inn Gallery, VT
1982 Belanthi Art Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
1982 Sumi-e Society of America, Washington, DC
1982 National Art League, LI, NY
1982 Salmagundi Club, NY, NY
1982 Nassau County Center for the Fine Arts
1983 Salmagundi Club, NY, NY
1983 Sumi-e Society of America, Washington, DC
1983 National Art League, LI, NY
1983 Mallette Art Gallery, Garden City, NY
1984 Mallette Art Gallery, Garden City, NY
1984 Sumi-e Society of America, Washington, DC
1984 Lakeview Gallery, Glen Cove, NY
1985 Sumi-e Society of America, Washington, DC
1986 Sumi-e Society of America, Washington, DC
1987 Sumi-e Society of America, Washington, DC
1988 Sumi-e Society of America, Washington, DC
2015 Artsource Art Gallery, NY, NY
2025 Harlem Fine Art Show, NY, NY
2025 Waterkolours Gallery, Memphis TN
Memberships
1981 - 1983 Salmagundi Club, NY, NY
1982 - 1992 Sumi-e Society of America, Washington, DC
1984 - 1985 American Watercolor Society, AWS, NY
1988 - 1989 Portrait Club of America
1991 - The International Society of Artist
2001 - The Hudson Valley Art Association, Inc.
Recognitions
National Art League, Special Watercolor Award
Sumi-e Society of America, Diana Kahn Award
Sumi-e Society of America, Shiki Chapter Award
National Art League 1st Place Award
Collections
Governor Hugh Carry, NY, NY (Private Family Collection)
Northport VA Medical Center, Northport, NY (Commissioned Works)
Benihana Corporate Office, NY, NY (Corp[orate Collection)
Harlem Baptist Church, NY, NY (Commissioned Mural)
Asian Jade Society, LI, NY (Private & Corporate Collection)
Long Island MacArthur Airport, LI, NY (Commissioned Painting to Honor Essential Workers During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Painting is on permanent display)
Press
1981 NewsDay (Article about a painting donated to the Coalition Against Child Abuse)
1983 Artspeak Newspaper (Article in Vol 5, No. 3, by Cecily Barth Firestein, “John Clancy of the Long Mustache”
1986 Artist Magazine (Article Featuring the Painting “Go With The Flow”)
2020 Channel 12 News (Press Release - Mural Unveiling at MacArthur Airport)
2020 NewsDay (Press Release - Mural Painting Unveiling at MacArthur Airport by Carl MacGowan)
2020 Golfer Magazine (Article About a Commission to Paint the Black Course In Bethpage, NY
2023 North Shore TV (Interview On Portrait Painting)
2024 North Shore TV (Interview On the Painting Collection “Whispers in Stone)