John Hanley

In fifteen years of professional painting, John Hanley has made a name for himself as a nationally renowned sports artist. Rounding off his accolades, John was nominated this year for the "Sports Artist of the Year" from the United States Sport Art Museum.

John has been a professional artist since 1986, but like most artists he has been drawing and painting since he can remember. Early in his career, John found himself as a prominent illustrator of movie super heroes. Therefore, the transition to national sports heroes was a natural leap.

Upon graduation from the American Academy of Art, John began his career as an apprentice in a Chicago art studio doing at first all of the duties required of an apprentice...getting food and art supplies. It was not long before John was "on the board" doing advertising art for major corporations such as McDonalds, United Airlines and Coca-Cola.

John became a freelance artist in 1989, and his career began to flourish. John found his niche in sports art, entertainment, and the publishing industries. That powerful combination allowed John to build a prestigious client list creating posters, books and promotional art for motion pictures including Jurassic Park, Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, Small Soldiers and others.

By combining John's love of sports with his artistic talent, it has lead him to his current achievements painting athletes and legends of today and yesterday. His dedication for excellence in capturing sports heroes in their finest moments is John's passion. His portfolio includes Super Bowl program art, lithographs for Denver's Mile High Stadium, Chicago's Soldier Field, commemorative prints for Super Bowl I, Gale Sayers, Greg Maddux, Ryne Sandberg,Brian Urlacher, Hank Aaron, and other NFL, MLB and NBA greats.