When he stepped into a backpacking store in Solana Beach two years ago, John Woolley had no way of knowing that visit would open up a talent locked inside himself.

Inspired by a copy of artist Dan Price's "Moonlight Chronicles," the then 9-year-old Temecula boy began to draw and paint.

"I thought it was very interesting, so I decided to try it," John said.

Now 11, John has become an accomplished artist, completing more 200 pieces. He has been selling a number of his works and is the youngest member of the San Diego Museum of Art Artist Guild.

John's talent came out immediately, said his father, Dave Woolley.

"The week after he got the 'Moonlight Chronicles,' he woke up and drew his tennis shoe. It was perfect," Dave Woolley said. "From that point on, he drew everything around."

John said his motivation can come from anywhere and he draws or paints whenever the mood strikes.

One of his favorite pieces is "Currencies of the World." He got the idea while visiting his grandfather, an accountant in Mexico who displays international currency under a sheet of glass on his desk.

He has done pieces as simple as a soda can or motorcycle, and as complex as the Hearst Castle. He'll often draw what he sees while travelling with his parents, including a pizza joint in New York City and a hot dog stand in San Francisco.

John drew the soda can on a dare. His parents told him they would buy him an expensive set of watercolors if he showed his skills with the lesser set he already owned.

"I liked the colors on the root beer can and they liked (the final product), so they bought me the nice watercolor set," John said.

John said he prefers working with pens and ink, and watercolors because he can work faster. He takes anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours to complete a piece, depending on how big it is, he said.

"I like my paintings to be quick, not months at a time," John said.

In March, John was one of just two youth artists invited to participate in Artexpo, a large trade show in New York City, and his work was highlighted in the show's magazine.

That's where Claire Phipps, secretary of the San Diego artist guild, saw his art and invited him to audition.

"It shows a great deal of thought behind it, yet a spontaneity," Phipps said of John's work. "That, to my mind, makes it very unique."

According to its website, the guild was established in 1915 with a mission to enhance the cultural profile of San Diego County through support of the San Diego Museum of Art.

To be accepted in the guild, an artist must submit five pieces shown professionally. The works are judged by a panel of 10 artists. There are about 170 members in the guild, Phipps said, adding John is the youngest ever to apply.

John is starting to make a little money with his art, selling prints at shows and online. Prints sell for up to $300 and originals for $4,000. Some of the money is being used to purchase supplies and pay for the entry fee into shows and the rest is being put in the bank, Dave Woolley said.

John recently completed fifth grade at Pauba Valley Elementary School and is headed to Vail Ranch Middle School. Besides art, he enjoys magic and sports, and even won a golfing skills competition when he was 6.

John remains humble about his accomplishments. When asked what his favorite piece is, he nonchalantly says, "The next one."

"I've done so many, there is no favorite," he said.

Phipps said John shows tremendous artistic maturity.

"It's not forced," she said. "It's his way of keeping a diary, I think. When I was drawing at that age, I became totally part of what I was drawing. I see that in him."

To see John's works, visit www.backyardjournals.com.

Call staff writer Craig Shultz at 951-676-4315, ext. 2625.