A fascination with color and light propelled John Espinola into the world of art. A painter by training, he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from San Jose State University. Many of his paintings explore specific qualities of light, from the first, fresh rays of morning sun on a gazebo and surrounding garden to a meadow awash with gold in the last brilliant rays of the setting sun. “I find a magical quality in scenes of timeless architecture and landscapes,” Espinola says. “They are my favorite subjects for painting. I try to capture the feeling of the moment with subtleties of light and shade.”

Not entirely content to merely depict the interplay of light and color, Espinola turned to the manipulation of it, working with architectural and stained glass. His pieces combine various textures, transparencies, and colors of glass so that light is transformed as it shines through them. “To me, working with stained glass is similar to painting with oils,” he explains. “Creating rhythms with the many different elements of glass allows light to be changed into special effects similar to my glazing techniques.” His traditional glass designs blend harmoniously and naturally with their environments, enhancing their surroundings with quiet elegance.

Espinola began sign work early in his career. Originally just a way to fill his time between mural and glass commissions, sign creation has become an important mainstay of Art Works’ offerings. Espinola’s design philosophy is simple: “Create a sign that will attract customers and reflect the feeling and look of the business it represents.” He designs most often with a pencil and paper, sketching ideas as artistic sensibilities merge with practical considerations. The finished concept drawing will reflect Espinola’s review of all possible interpretations of the customer’s art work as well as his consideration of materials, finishes, and budgets.

In the over 20 years since opening Art Works, Espinola has created many opportunities to work with new techniques and materials along with traditional ones. That he has been successful with them is evident not only from his growing list of satisfied customers, but in his continued enthusiasm about the work he enjoys doing.