John Fernandes was born in 1951 in Karnataka.

He graduated in Psychology & Philosophy from the Karnataka University. He studied art at Chitra Mandir, Belgaum. He was a graduate for 9 years under the guidance of eminent artist Shri. K.B. Kulkarni.

He had several solo exhibitions:
In 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2016 he exhibited solo at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai. In 1995 he exhibited solo at Mahalsa Art Gallery, Mumbai. In 2001 and 2002 he showcased solo at Art Pilgrim, Delhi. In 2004 he had a solo exhibitions at India Art Gallery, Pune. In 2010 he had a solo exhibition at P. L. Deshpande Art Gallery, Mumbai. In 2014 he had solo exhibitions at Art Desh and India Art Festival, Mumbai.

He worked in Mumbai as an illustrator with a leading Advertising Agency for 9 years and worked as a full time freelance artist for more than 25 years.

He passed away in 2007.

His works have met critical success out side India and have been featured in several exhibitions in Singapore, Dubai, London, New York, Los Angeles and many more