| Forces of nature have always played a large part in James Johnson's life. He was born in a September snow storm on a farm in Quinten, Kansas, where he spent his first five years. His Dad then moved his family to Maryland for a year and the need to keep moving became a common theme in their life. Heading west they landed in Puget Sound, Whidbey Island. "An isolated beach for a front yard and a pristine forest for a backyard, it was a good place for a young boy to dream." he remembers. The constant change of scenery and moving from place to place has been an important influence on James' lifestyle and his life's work. |
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Working from a snapshot, James starts with a rough, graphite pencil sketch. He enjoys using raw unmixed color as the under painting. The colors mix themselves as I work. I try to keep a freshness which creates a distinctive quality. Then afterwards, I go back and use a sepia pen and ink line work to enhance detail" he explains. James agrees with the artist W. Kandinsky "the artwork is a triad, there is the medium, the painter and the observer. It is a transference of spirit. Each landscape is a metaphor for the stillness, peace, solitude and quiet of an evoked state of mind."
A long way from Kansas and years of living a gypsy life in a VW Van, the never ending road has taken him here, there, and back again. His artwork reflects his life...ever-changing, constant movement, full of color and unforgettable sensitivity.
Plumas Arts will be hosting the reception at the Plumas Arts Gallery with beverages and treats on hand. "We really enjoy having the community come in and share this space. This months art show is beautiful and representative of our area, Lori Davis comments. The Plumas Arts Gallery is a program of Plumas Arts, and is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11AM to 5:30PM, Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM and can be reached at (530) 283-3402 or online at www.plumasarts.org. |
