John Wilde was born in Milwaukee, studied at UW Madison then served in WWII. When he returned, he finished his Masters of Art degree and spent many years teaching and as artist in residence influencing many artists. He received the Alfred Sissier Distinguished Professor of Art Award. Today his works are in The Museum of Modern Art, Art Institute of Chicago, and the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Wilde's work often incorporates a meticulous drawing technique. During the heyday of abstract expressionism, his surrealist style mixed with Old Master techniques was not popular. However, he was committed to his craft. His paintings were personal and involved many drafts. He used the difficult and "incompatible to correction" medium of silverpoint. His second wife Shirley is often depicted in his fantasy landscapes. Perhaps she served as the model with the exaggerated vegetables in our pieces.