Sunday, February 28, 2016

Featured Artist ~ JoAnn Johnson

Meet... JoAnn Johnson



Watercolor painting is always a lesson in balancing too much (water, paint, force) and not enough (breath, reflection, observation).  After retiring from teaching art and art history, I have rented a space in the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls with two other watercolor artists.  I love the variety, portability and diversity of effects that working with watercolor permits.  I guess growing up on Long Island and being surrounded by the ocean influenced that love of fluid color.  I enjoy the challenges and lessons in humility that are inherent in making images with this medium: a dance of water, color and light.


"Year of the Monkey"




I work with watercolor, gouache, and acrylic on different surfaces. I studied printmaking, papermaking and bookbinding and worked as a graphic artist for the Southern Adirondack Library System, so I have a big interest in book arts. 




I find myself interested in making small pieces that incorporate collage.







"Tea with Matisse"
                                                                 





 For the month of March, I am making paintings based on art history and using recycled materials like tea bags and paper shopping bags.  I also have an ongoing series of hardware objects and tools that I like to paint, and a series of paintings of the Victoria Pool and other places in the Spa State Park that I will continue when the weather warms up.





"Handyman 4"
"Month of Sundays"


"Handyman 5"