John Green considers himself fortunate to have had a father who was an artist. The father (Larry Sr.) graduated from the Minneapolis Art Institute in 1949. Without the more recent market of limited edition prints, though, it was difficult for him to support through art a family of 13 children. So he had to find another line of work.

When John was 13 he and his 12-year-old brother asked their father if they could paint a picture. At the same age, John started hunting. His bother lost interest in art when he found a girlfriend (now his wife). But John's interest continued.   (His art grades in school were not outstanding.)

After graduating from high school, John was discouraged by his father from being an artist because of the difficulty making a living (which he had experienced). John attended college (2 years at Dakota State) to become a businessman. He married in 1979, just as the print market was taking off. John became involved with pheasant organizations and especially with Ducks Unlimited. This provided exposure throughout the midwest. (He credits DU with his success because of the opportunities they provided.)

He started working in his basement and now has a studio over Dakota Drug and Jewelry Store in Madison.

His advice to beginning artists is to enter as many wildlife stamp contests as possible. "People judge your success not on how well they like your work but on how many contests you've won."

Green carries a camera with him constantly, using photographs as research for future work (clouds, sunset, flight of geese, old farmstead, etc.).

His honors include:
*1983 - Delaware Duck Stamp
*1983 - Isaac Walton League Artist of the year
*1983 - SD Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year
*1986 - 2nd place: SD Waterfowl, SD Pheasant Restoration
*1990 - SD Waterfowl Stamp
*1990 - Official Mt. Rushmore Golden Anniversary print
*1991 - State Artist of the Year (SD)
*1991 - Inducted into the SD Hall of Fame
*1997 - SD Waterfowl Stamp