John Mooney RSA was born in Edinburgh where he attended the College of Art (1966–70). In 1970–1 he had a postgraduate year follwed by an Andrew Grant Travelling Scholarship allowing him to travel to Greece, Turkey and Spain. Mooney went on to teach at Edinburgh College of Art from 1971 to 2008.
Mooney's work centres on drawing, painting, printmaking, anatomy and botanical illustration. His work is held in prominent collections including the Scottish National Gallery Of Moden Art; the Hunterian Museum, University Of Glasgow; Dundee Art Gallery; Edinburgh University and Perth Art Gallery and Museum.
