John L. Beardman, 87, a highly-respected abstract expressionist artist, passed away at his home in Dingmans Ferry, Pa., on January 5, 2025, after a long illness.
He is predeceased by his brother, Frank Beardman, his first wife Daphne, and his brother-in-law Michael Sliver. He is survived by daughters Stephanie Beardman, Irini Beardman (Mahmoud Habboub), and Chloe Beardman; his son, Orion Beardman (Gaige Mosquera); and his grandson Aiden Habboub. In addition, he is survived by his ex-wife Laura Kollins; his sisters Martha Wolanzyk (Alex), Margaret Sliver, Patricia Gillis (Colin), and Teresa Eppley (Dave); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Beardman was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on December 5, 1937. He attended Case-Western University and graduated from Oberlin College. His post-graduate studies were at the Sorbonne in Paris and Southern Illinois University. He painted all his life, and was a professor at the University of Connecticut, Cranbrook Academy of Art, and Oakland University, where he taught studio art for 30 years. Once retired from the academic world, he has dedicated himself entirely to his art, which has been exhibited around the world, including many one person and group exhibits in New York City.
Beardman was a lifelong learner, interested in everything in the art world, but also in traveling, cooking, pottery, meditation, poetry and writing, politics, philosophy, and the workings of the world. His style was abstract expressionism, but he was always trying new techniques, and pushing himself to discover the world anew.
He built a home on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. He copper-smithed the roof himself and planted a garden at the ocean’s edge. This incredible property, now called Beardmans Art House, continues to honor him and his art, and is maintained as a summer vacation rental by his former neighbors, Marcus and Stefanie Butschek.
Beardman relocated to Pike County, Pa., from his New York City loft in the East Village in 2017. He fell in love with its natural beauty and charm. His paintings can be found in a number of people’s homes in Milford, Shohola, and Dingmans Ferry. He is regarded as a talented artist, enjoyable conversationalist, passionate teacher, and great lover of gardening and nature.
To experience his art and learn more about him, visit his website, johnbeardman.com.
A memorial service is being planned by the family for a later date. Please, no flowers.