Painter John is a reference to the American artist, John Singer Sargent (1856-1925). He was an American expatriate who worked mainly in London and Paris. He was known for his portraits of wealthy and influential people, as well as his landscapes and murals. His nickname, 'Opie', was given to him by his friends and family due to his resemblance to the character Opie Taylor from the television show The Andy Griffith Show.