John Paul Thornton is an American artist, educator, and speaker.  He is the author of Art and Courage: Stories to inspire the Artist Warrior Within.  He is dedicated to uncovering how art connects to all of us.  His paintings have been displayed on the historic steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. and the Nobel Peace Center in Oslow.  John Paul teaches art history at the Skirball Cultural Center, Pierce College and American Jewish University.  He leads tours through Europe, and Israel and his lectures have reached thousands.

John Paul has been honored by the United States Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts, CBS television, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the United Nations Foundation and for his work linking Art to social causes in India, Nepal, Mexico, Haiti, Japan, China and America.