John Deckert has studied with some of the best fine art painting instructors in the United States: Hilary Holmes  and Harvey Dinnerstein at the Art Students League; Harvey Dinnerstein and Ron Scherr at the National Academy; Painting workshops with Daniel Greene, Curt Hanson, Jerry Stitt, Dick Cole, Randall Sexon and Camille Przewodek; Robert Levers and Walt Jurkiewicz at the University of Texas; Vernon Fisher and Ron Cooke at Austin College.