About John Osgood
My work is about exploring the connections we share—with each other, with nature, and through the universal experiences that shape our lives. I draw inspiration from my own journey and the world around me, creating vibrant, nature-based and abstract pieces that reflect themes of family, humor, beauty, and resilience. Birds are a recurring subject in my art because their behaviors—nesting, nurturing, and surviving—mirror so much of what it means to be human and remind us of our interconnectedness.
I use a bold, vibrant color palette to evoke both joy and introspection. Many of my pieces include hidden symbols and playful details, adding layers of meaning that reflect my belief in persistence, compassion, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. I want my art to remind people that it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling—that even in tough times, there’s beauty, humor, and light to be found.
At its core, my art is about connection. It’s a celebration of our shared human journey and a reminder that we’re all in this together. Whether it’s through the stories my paintings tell or the feelings they evoke, I hope my work inspires compassion, persistence, and a deeper appreciation for both each other and with nature.
Artist Bio
Raised in the Pacific Northwest and now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Osgood draws inspiration from both natural and urban environments, blending bold colors, textures, and layered compositions to create visually striking work.
With a Bachelor of Arts and a minor in Fine Arts from Washington State University, Osgood has built a prolific career spanning large-scale murals, gallery exhibitions, and commissioned projects. His murals can be found throughout the West Coast, from Alaska to California. His gallery exhibitions include notable venues such as 111 Minna Gallery, Modern Eden Gallery, Center on Contemporary Art, Mirus Gallery (San Francisco), Washington State University SEB Gallery, Voss Gallery and more.
Osgood's client list includes major brands and institutions such as Anchorage Museum, IBM, Microsoft, New Amsterdam Vodka, San Francisco Premium Outlets, Uber, Verity Credit Union, Chicago Title, Five Iron Golf, and Washington State University. His ability to merge contemporary aesthetics with storytelling makes his work stand out in both public and private spaces.
Media & Press
2024-2025
Apr 8, 2025 – Startup Art restarts annual indie celebration — East
Bay Express
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Coverage of John Osgood’s participation in the 2025 stARTup Art Fair in
San Francisco, showcasing his bold, nature-inspired paintings and murals.
Nov 11, 2024 – 19 murals around Seattle, WA — SEAtoday / 6AM
City
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A mural guide highlighting must-see public artworks in Seattle, including
Osgood’s Queen Anne mural created with Zach Bohnenkamp.
Jul 18, 2024 – Queen Anne mural walk: See vibrant art pieces of Space
Needle and more — Seattle Times
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Features Osgood’s Queen Anne mural as a key stop on the neighborhood’s
vibrant mural art walk.
2022-2023
July 24, 2023— New Mural
Coming to San Ramon — Patch (San Ramon)
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Announcement of Osgood’s upcoming mural project in San Ramon.
Oct 10, 2023 – Monumental
Public Murals Unveiled Celebrating Seattle — OpenPR
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Announcement of large-scale public murals honoring Seattle icons, including
Osgood’s collaborative work with Jite Agbro.
Feb 4, 2022 – New mural
at Stulsaft Park reflects park’s biodiversity — Climate RWC
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Details Osgood’s Redwood City mural celebrating local plant and animal life.
August 22, 2022— Anchorage
mural honors Indigenous people, Alaskans — ICT News
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National coverage of Osgood’s mural celebrating Alaska Native heritage.
2020-2021
Jun 17, 2021 – New Mural
Under East Main Street Bridge (Brighter Bridges Project) — City of
Medford
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City coverage of Osgood’s 3,800-square-foot mural designed to revitalize a
public underpass.
March 1, 2020 — John
Osgood: Art — The Adroit Journal
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Artist feature in a national literary and arts journal.
April 6, 2020 — Artist
Spotlight: John Osgood — NoHo Arts District
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Q&A profile covering Osgood’s journey and artistic style.
June 5, 2020 — John
Osgood splashes vivid cubism onto walls of Voss Gallery virtual exhibit — The
Daily Californian
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Article reviewing Osgood’s virtual exhibition at Voss Gallery.
2016-2019
Jul 1, 2019 – Artist
feature in Danville Living (bio details) — Issuu
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Community magazine profile on Osgood’s career, influences, and public art
projects.
Apr 4, 2019 – Built By
Memories: Exploring the Hidden Gems of John Osgood — stARTup Art Fair
(blog)
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Artist interview discussing Osgood’s creative process and inspirations.
Sep 11, 2018 – Queen
Anne Marketplace has a new mural that hopes to brighten First Avenue North
— Seattle PI
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News article covering the creation of Osgood’s Queen Anne Marketplace mural.
Apr 6, 2016 – Jordan
Babineaux celebrates Seattle with local artist John Osgood at ‘It’s Your Town’
— Alamy / AP Images
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Photo coverage of Osgood’s participation in a Seattle cultural event sponsored
by New Amsterdam Vodka.
Apr 6, 2016 — Celebrate
Seattle’s art and culture with “It’s Your Town” street party — KING 5
(New Day Northwest)
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TV segment featuring Osgood’s involvement in a Seattle arts celebration.
Before 2015
Mar 7, 2013 – Taproot
commissions mural to honor arson victims — KOMO News
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Coverage of Osgood’s commemorative mural for victims of the Greenwood arsons.
May 2, 2012 – Bherd is
Pronounced “Be Heard” — The Stranger
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Alt-weekly article highlighting Bherd Studios, the gallery co-founded by
Osgood.
May 4, 2011 — Seven-year-old
mastermind curates Seattle art exhibit — KING 5
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News feature on an unconventional Seattle art show including Osgood’s work.
October 16, 2010— Splash
of color brings life to grim spot — The Seattle Times
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Coverage of Osgood’s public art project transforming a neglected space.
December 18, 2009— Artists
create street mural in Greenwood in aftermath of arsons — The Seattle
Times
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Article on the collaborative mural project in Greenwood after the arsons.
Dec 31, 2009 – Community
power overcomes arsonist power — The SunBreak
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Story on the Greenwood community’s mural response after multiple arsons.