Born in Montreal in 1928, John Little studied under Arthur Lismer and Goodridge Roberts at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. He also studied at the Art Students League in New York. Upon returning to Montreal he became a draughtsman in his father's architectural firm. He began his full time painting career in 1953. His street scenes have won him wide acclaim, they capture both the spirit of the old buildings, and the modernity of those who live there. John Little became an Associate of the Royal Canadian Academy in 1961 and his work can be found in the National Gallery of Canada, several other museums, and numerous corporate collections.