In 1985, John became a professional illustrator and freelance retoucher specialising in fantasy air-brush illustrations. These took the form of many computer magazine and game covers. At the same time he was studying the different painting techniques of the old masters, his favourite being Da Vinci, Titian, Rembrandt, Turner and Constable. In order to discover as much as possible about techniques he would painstakingly copy selected paintings, some of them taking as long as eight months to complete.

John Silver's constant love throughout has been to paint wildlife and he takes every opportunity to study and observe animals in their natural environment. In 1994 he spent some time in the company of world renowned wildlife artists John Seerey-Lester and Alan Hunt, the knowledge that he gained from them at this time proved invaluable. Since then he has spent time exhibiting and collecting reference at many Game Fairs throughout the country which has resulted in him producing his working dog series of paintings. All of these influences over the years are now apparent in his highly detailed yet atmospheric originals which are proving extremely collectable.

John Silver was awarded the 1998 "Best New Published Artist" Awarded by the Fine Art Trade Guild.