"I have always been in awe of the unspoiled natural landscape although I can tolerate some of man's intrusions: those that are necessary, functional and aesthetically pleasing. I have never painted a scene where I wouldn't enjoy spending a considerable amount of time, with or without a brush in my hand. The natural world, as it was before man made his mark, is becoming rare. I have chosen to paint the landscape in the present tense, without romanticizing the past or glorifying the present. I paint my immediate environment and the places I visit often. It is a selfish pursuit, for I only paint subjects that are significant to me." John Roush's interest in art was intense as a child growing up in Kansas. Drawing and painting was a favorite pastime during his grade school years. This early venture into art was later set aside as he studied for a more practical career in engineering. High school and college drafting classes introduced him to the concept of linear perspective, where objects could be mechanically drawn, giving the appearance of realism and depth. He learned his lessons well and today relies on perspective basics to guide him in composing most of his paintings. In the mid-90's, John realized that art had been the one constant interest in his life, although he had never worked in a profession where he could use or develop it. As part of a five year plan he left the structured world of industry and began an accelerated self guided study of art. Within two years he was showing in regional fairs and festivals and teaching from his home studio. Early success at these shows required him to produce hundreds of paintings to satisfy his patrons. Acceptance of his work locally encouraged him to participate on a national level. His entry in the first Pastel Journal Magazine competition won the rust place award for landscape. He has since won another first place and five finalist awards in this popular annual contest. In 2000 he was given signature status in the prestigious Pastel Society of America and was elected a Master Pastelist in 2005. He is also a Master Pastelist and founding member of the MidAmerica Pastel Society. Other memberships include the American Artists Professional League, Audubon Artists and Allied Artists of America. He has won awards in exhibitions at the Pastel Society of America, American Artist's Professional League, Allied Artists of America, National Park Academy of the Arts, Salmagundi Club, Hudson Valley Art Association, Pastel Society of the West Coast, Heartland Artists and Wichita Center for the Arts. His work has also been shown at the Hermitage Foundation Museum, Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, Albrecht-Kemper Museum, Lauren Rogers Museum of Art and the Butler Institute of American Art. An article in the February, 2006 issue of The Pastel Journal featured the artist and his paintings. A feature article also appeared in the April, 2006 issue of The Artist's Magazine showing his work and a demonstration of his methods. In North Light Book's Pure Color, The Best of Pastel, one of his paintings was included among works from today's top pastel artists. His portfolio of Midwest landscapes is supplemented with scenes of the coast of Maine and its islands. Although his preferred medium is soft pastel, he also paints in oils and watercolor.