Nature and Machine

John Guiseppi was the Second Prize Winner in International Artist magazine’s Challenge No. 131, Wildlife.

Central Florida artist John Guiseppi is a self-taught colored pencil artist and photographer specializing in scenes that are “considered outside the norm and familiar,” ranging from portraits and cityscapes to nature and landscapes—and even cars.The Florida Sandhill Crane, colored pencil, 17 x 12"

He’s especially drawn to classic-era cars, motorcycles and machinery, capturing the ornate designs of these human creations. In 65 Ford Mustang, we see the steering wheel and shiny red interior of this vintage automobile. “I have always had an interest in the classic ’50s/’60s era vehicles. Their unique dashes, gauges, steering wheels, emblems and corners. [The] hard details, sharp lines, fabulous fins and the corners,” says Guiseppi. “The ’65 Mustang was one that had always interested me, as I took my initial driver’s test in a ’65 Mustang. So when I spotted this one at a local car show, I had to draw it.”65 Ford Mustang, colored pencil, 10 x 16"

Screamin Eagle, colored pencil, 11 x 14"

Guiseppi also excels in capturing the natural world. In The Florida Sandhill Crane, viewers get a detailed view of the waterbird’s icy gray feathers. “This particular piece pretty much showcases what I look for while out taking photos. It’s unique to the sandhill crane, preening, head tucked up under wing, with that bright red head ablaze. It’s different from what most photographers would consider for a pose,” he says. “I’m drawn (no pun intended) to those unusual positions during grooming, mating ritual, breeding display or just being silly. I’ll wait patiently for just the right moment, one that is different but unique to my subject. I strive to capture the moment that others miss, don’t see or notice.”Bird of Paradise, colored pencil, 10 x 15"The story behind Screamin Eagle blends the artist’s love of animals and automotive. “I spotted this motorcycle one morning at a local wildlife reserve in my area. It belongs to a guy that does volunteer work at the reserve. I was actually looking for birds, butterflies or various critters that morning, but when I crossed the parking lot, all of this chrome just hit me in the face…One thing that all of the locals like about this piece is the palm trees…Can you find them? Check out the air inlet going into the pre-filter. Speaking of that pre-filter, that’s where the title came from for this piece, Screamin Eagle.”