John Baran Works

My great grandmother was native Hawaiian. My mom (also an artist) left Oahu when she was 14, but I have Ohana spread throughout the islands to this day, the closest being my Uncle, who is still on Oahu. He was actually the head of the Dept. of Forestry and Natural Resources for the state (a position my Grandfather held, as well).

I am an avid waterman, and free dive to take photos of sea life that I paint. All of the honu paintings come from photos I have personally taken. I have swam with tiger sharks, dolphins, mantas, honu and even penguins. I have lived around oceans all my life, and consider them a second home!

John Baran is an artist and photographer from Santa Barbara, California. His art can be found in stores and galleries in California, Texas, Hawaii, Grand Cayman and Brussels, Belgium. Some of his prints can be seen on the set of the hit television show, 'Hawaii Five-O'. 

An avid and accomplished photographer, John travels the world photographing his subject matter. His experiences with the animals in their natural environment is an integral part of the painting process. Photographing, sketching and spending time with these animals and watching their behavior helps John create works of art that are vibrant and full of life.  He has swam with sharks, giant manta rays, manatees and dolphins.  He has also come within feet of white rhinos, cape buffalo, leopards, lions, American alligators and African elephants, to name a few. All of these experiences have resulted in works that are a colorful fusion of abstract art and animals from the land, sky and sea. Playful yet sophisticated, his art is versatile enough to hang in a living room or a child's nursery.