For years, the warm and nostalgic artwork of John Sloane has been a favorite among Bits and Pieces customers. His richly detailed paintings—evoking the charm of a simpler time in American life—have appeared on some of our best-selling jigsaw puzzles and even graced the covers of our catalogs. We're thrilled to feature John as one of our most beloved artists. We are even more excited to share this exclusive interview, which includes questions submitted by our team and our social media followers.
Can you share a jigsaw puzzle memory with us?
For me, painting a picture is not unlike assembling a jigsaw puzzle. I love watching the scene come together as I develop each detail. I still remember the thrill of completing a puzzle featuring one of my paintings—it brought back the joy of creating the original work.
Please walk us through your process from idea to finished piece.
I often begin by exploring the countryside for inspiration. My wife and I brainstorm ideas together, and once a scene starts to take shape in my imagination, I sketch out concepts in pencil. I refine the composition with a detailed drawing before moving on to the final painting.
What are your hobbies outside of art?
I enjoy reading, as well as listening to music or audiobooks while I'm painting. My wife and I also share an interest in photography and early American cultural history—especially life in the early 20th century.
What are you currently working on?
I'm always looking forward to the next painting. Currently, I'm working on a new Christmas-themed piece and exploring ways to bring fresh energy to my landscapes through innovative lighting, colors, and seasonal atmospheres.
Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?
My primary source of inspiration is the rural environment around me. I love depicting the harmony between nature and the man-made world, and I'm drawn to imagining life in the past—before electricity and highways when life moved in sync with the seasons.
What's your favorite part of being an artist?
Sharing my artwork with the public is incredibly fulfilling. Each painting is a labor of love, and knowing it brings joy to others makes the process even more meaningful.
What excites you most about your upcoming work?
I enjoy exploring landscapes in new ways, whether it's through capturing sunrises and sunsets or photographing interior scenes, such as barns and farmhouses. I also incorporate subtle touches of humor and human interest wherever possible.
Have you completed any puzzles featuring your artwork?
Yes! I've worked on several puzzles with my artwork, including some at our local library, which has a dedicated puzzle table. It's a wonderful experience to puzzle alongside others who don't realize I'm the artist!
What draws you to the subjects you paint?
I've always been fascinated by the stories my parents shared about their early lives and my memories of summers spent on a farm. These experiences sparked a desire in me to preserve the charm of a vanishing American heritage.
How does it feel knowing others are assembling your artwork piece by piece?
It's gratifying. Seeing my art come to life through the eyes of puzzlers—and hearing how much joy it brings—makes it all worthwhile.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I usually start early with a long walk with my dog, that's when many of my best ideas come to me. I paint throughout the day at a comfortable pace. Painting doesn't work because it's my passion. I consider myself the luckiest man in the world.
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