John Dusko is legendary in his commitment to painting Berks County scenes and people. A prolific artist drawn to pastoral and urban images alike, Dusko knows that his oils, pastels and drawings stir up fond nostalgia in oldtimers who “remember when” — even younger citizens and newcomers to the Reading-Berks area become visibly moved when they experience the gentlemanly painter’s impressionistic canvases.
Dusko’s artwork carries viewers on a dreamlike journey, capturing the movement of wind in trees and waterways; the energy of darkening clouds that forecast an impending storm; the palpable heat of a still, hot summer day. In all seasons, Dusko’s brushstrokes pay homage to marshes and fields, paved roads lined with trees, stone houses and faded brick-red barns. With loving care, Dusko portrays numerous industrial forces as well, such as the trains, the Reading Railroad and the laborers.
Road to Reading
“I’m originally from Pottstown. Starting when I was about 14, I was always interested in art. From Day One, I loved to draw,” he says. “I saw an article in the paper about an artist giving art lessons. My mother called…and so I’ve been painting scenes since that time. I just turned 89.”
He adds, “Color speaks. I consider my work impressionistic. My instructor, George Walters, was a good impressionist — studied at the Academy in Philadelphia. He was so sure I had to go to the Academy — he knew some people in there — when I’d graduate from high school.” And so he went.
Along came the Korean War. “I’m a veteran,” says Dusko. But after the war, “I thought, what would I do to make a living? So I went to the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I talked to one of the instructors, he gave me advice to work up a portfolio, and I took it to various ad agencies. At Beaumont Heller & Sperling, I got a job there for a number of years.” Illustration was big then. “Then American Casualty in Reading called me one day. They said, ‘We need an illustrator.’ I did go there, as they offered me more money. I was married and having children by then.”
Then, “I got interested in the history of Reading. I’d go out to do paintings of Penn Street, the Reading Railroad and the Outer Station.”
Blue Marsh Calls
Of everything Dusko has painted, it’s landscapes that he loves best. “Landscape at Blue Marsh in particular,” he says. “I do a lot of things over at Blue Marsh. It’s just about the atmosphere there. It talks to me. I just find it interesting.”
He confesses, “I still love pastels. I started a lot of work with pastels, but the problem with pastels is that pieces need to be framed under glass. So I got back to oils.” With his distinctive style — the essence of life — so evident, Dusko’s art represents the very persona of Berks.
Revelations
Dusko smiles as he shares, “My favorite artist is French — Degas.”
I lived in Japan for two years, in Yokohama. I painted when I could while there, and I sold them — those Japan paintings.
