John Nieman
a multifaceted creative professional with a rich background spanning over three decades in various artistic domains.
John Nieman
An accomplished International Advertising Creative Director, celebrated Music Director, published Author, visionary Chef, and gifted Artist — a true multi-talented force of creativity and innovation.
John Nieman is a multi-force of creative talent. He is the author of more than 30 books—everything from novels, short stories, poetry, children’s books, and books that combine art and literature.
In his first exposure to the creative world, he was the Creative Director of several world-wide advertising agencies. Here, he won all kinds of awards—for print, and television. This foray lasted for more than 25 years. From there, he became a chef, and actor, a college professor, and then devoted himself to writing books and creating art.
He has enjoyed worldwide acclaim for his unique and very personal genre of art.
His paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States, and in many international cities—including Florence, Montreal, Hamburg, Ferrara, Cannes, Barcelona, Paris and Tokyo.
The father of five children, he lives in Hastings on Hudson, just above Manhattan.
Radio Interview
THE WANTED BOOK by John Nieman
Book Trailer
Life and the Other Thing
I have written many books which feature original art and original short stories-but after a pancreatic cancer scare (fortunately misdiagnosed), my son Stott suggested this as a topic for a book. My dear sister, Mary Ellen, advised me she didn’t want to hear “death” in the title, hence the clever tease. It’s apt. Actually some of the stories are hopeful, even funny.
Some do deal with final days. Others address renewal. But what I discovered in this exercise is that nothing is more important. Life should not be about shopping sprees, escapism, and goofball sitcoms. So I did it and a day before my chemotherapy, my esteemed doctor declared, “it’s not cancer.”
After 30 years as an international advertising director, John decided to “reinvent” himself as an artist and writer.
His artwork has been exhibited throughout the United States, Europe (Italy, the U.K., Germany, France, Ireland), and Asia (Japan, Thailand). Fortunately, has had more than a dozen solo shows.
Along the way, he has written 25 books-many novels, many art and short story books (4), art and poetry (4), several children’s books, novellas, and memoirs.
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The Wanted Book
The Wanted Book is a celebration of luminaries—both alive and dead—who have made an indelible mark on the world. To honor such people, Mr. Nieman shares a compendium of role models presented as Old West wanted posters. Entertainers, social activists, political figures, sports heroes and business leaders from the United States and abroad grace the pages of The Wanted Book with a tribute that chronicles the wonder of what they have done in this world.
Frankfurt Germany Book Fair
The Amazing Rabbitini
Nieman’s first children’s book, The Amazing Rabbitini, is created for anyone who feels he or she must live in someone else’s shadow. Tired of her role as a magician’s prop, Rabbitini decides to strike out on her own, and convince the world that each of us has the power to make our secret ambitions come true. Illustrated by Karen Laurence, The Amazing Rabbitini is written is a poetic tale for kids of all ages.
About The Books
Highlighted Books
Life... And That Other Thing
I have written many books which feature original art and original short stories-but after a pancreatic cancer scare (fortunately misdiagnosed), my son Stott suggested this as a topic for a book.
KIDS from A-Z
The Days After Christmas
Political Heat
Graham Kruse is an extraordinary politician with one major flaw: he’s a touchy/feely elected official who likes to kiss women, and likes to be seduced by women.
Close Call
Three-Minute Shorts
An elegant blind man finds self-esteem in a glass of obscure red wine. A cross dresser discovers the perfect non-judgmental friend. A movie star look-alike must constantly live the role. An erotic baker faces her ultimate challenge.
The Amazing Rabbitini
Life... and that other thing
I have written many books which feature original art and original short stories-but after a pancreatic cancer scare (fortunately misdiagnosed), my son Stott suggested this as a topic for a book.
Art Books
Art of List
Art of More List
Art of Even More Lists
Art of Lists IV
Explores themes of music, movies, and international pop culture through visual art.
Art with a Story
Combines original art with short stories that range from humorous to heroic, creating a unique narrative experience.
Art with a Story III
Fresh art and fresh flash fiction in a volume that is probably the most daring of the series—dealing with love, breakups, temptations, and trepidations.
What is Missing?
showcases Mr. Nieman’s new art installation and features milk cartons evocative of those missing children
Art with a Recipe
is a unique compendium of artistic recipes from five continents, creatively interpreted and easily presented.
Art of List V
A book of realistic watercolor visual riddles, layered with names, events, movies, and quotes that deepen each painting’s meaning.
The Other Books
The Wrong Number One
centers on the ambitious, amoral world of America’s most powerful music kingpin.
Blue Morpho
Inspired by the fact that his client has been generously ransomed, released and promoted into the stratosphere, advertising superstar Marco Venesius decides to one-up the event by staging his own more lucrative kidnapping.
Chapters of a Life
O’Brien, Lipschitz and Partners
a parody of the world of advertising, written by one who lived it for decades.
The Owl and the Christmas Tree
Remember that owl that was found in the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree? This is the children’s story of him and the worker who found him and ultimately set him free.
Goodbye 72
a memoir of 30 years in the same home where five children were raised, and many successes and heatbreaks were housed.
Art with a Story 2
by John Nieman
Gotham Books
book review by Jonah Meyer
"She clinked her glass to mine and then winked. ‘Given the damn heat, the only thing that relieves it is to skinny-dip around one p.m. . . . don’t you agree?’"
In one of this excellent collection’s stories, two siblings cool off during a family vacation to Montreal by frolicking through spouting water fountains while their parents tour the basilica, only to be surprised when Mom and Dad join them in the wet, carefree fun. In another, the speaker talks a would-be jumper out of ending his life in the icy-cold depths of the Hudson River atop the Tappan Zee Bridge, which bears a sign reading: “Life is worth living.” Another tells the humorous story of Carolina Bateau, the “most attractive fortyish woman in Greenwich, Connecticut,” who propositions a fellow parent to skinny-dip with her in the deep end of the pool during a high school party.
These are but a sampling of nearly sixty stories of flash fiction, all approximately three pages in length, including a single accompanying piece of art from author and artist Nieman. Each micro-story wrestles with universal themes, such as prepubescent puppy love, the desire to break free from the adult daily grind, nostalgia, and more. Included are endearing stories of newfound romance, decades-long marriages, tales of sports, politics, and more.
Nieman’s writing exemplifies excellent character development and engaging, unique, well-developed plotlines—even within such an extremely short word count. The characters who populate these pieces of flash fiction, even down to the names Nieman assigns each character, are, in themselves, a wonder to behold. This author’s enthusiasm translates into quite a pleasurable literary experience for the reader. Nieman’s paintings—all pastel and/or watercolors—encapsulate the core essence of each story. Aesthetically, his artwork makes fantastic use of contrast. Another hallmark characteristic of Nieman’s art is the inclusion, in most cases, of lines of text woven within the paintings themselves. Multiple layers of meaning emerge. Delightfully appealing, Nieman’s work is decidedly recommended reading for practically anyone of any age.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review