In 1952 John became tired of the fog in the Western Addition and followed his friends, Ray and Miriam Rice to Marin County. The rough style of the arks along Larkspur Creek attracted him and in 1953 he bought a lot and built his own home on the “Boardwalk”. He continued to paint and show. He became an active member of the Marin Society of Aritists and eventually Director. He taught art classes at the College of Marin. He continued to maintain his connections with friends in San Francisco. His major pieces from this era consist of large canvases with Mexican themes. He also developed an abstract style that continued to evolve through the 1970’s. Among his best friends were Gurdon Woods, President of the California School of Fine Arts and Ray Rice. Ray later moved to Mendocino to join Bill Zacha in building the Mendocino Art Center. Other friends included Harry Crotty and Lundy Siegrist.