John Douglas

Art and music. Music and art. These are the two passions that John Douglas has enjoyed, pursued, and juggled his entire life. As an accomplished drummer and artist he ultimately combined them and began painting and customizing drums and guitars for many of the biggest rock bands on the planet…Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns N’ Roses, Pantera, Maná, Van Halen and ZZ Top to name just a few, all while writing music and performing with various bands. He now works behind the scenes and tours with many of these bands.

John Douglas’ work is featured on drums, guitars, album covers and concert stages, and has been seen by literally hundreds of thousands of music fans. His rock & roll portraits on canvas are in private collections and on display in Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos all over the world.

Original Works

Uniques & Glicleés

John Douglas with Slash

“Way back in 2001, I painted what is widely considered Joe’s most famous and iconic guitar, known as the “Billie” guitar. It features a portrait of his wife Billie painted on the front and back. It has been photographed and featured on the cover of just about every music publication. I thought it would be cool for me to paint a portrait of Joe playing that guitar…for myself. You know….a portrait of Joe playing the “Billie” guitar painted by the guy that painted the “Billie” guitar. So, in my spare time I did just that. When I finished it, I contacted Joe’s guitar tech and asked him if he could get Joe to sign it for me. He said, “We are up at Joe’s house now recording his next solo album. Send it up here and I’ll have Joe sign it for you.” So, I did that. Apparently, Joe took one look at the painting and said, “that’s my album cover!” 

- John Douglas