Artist Statement

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Chris Johnson

When I work with oil or pastels I feel a wonder to watch the colors define a shape and change its meaning and intensity. I am reminded that I never see enough. I begin a piece by “getting to know the subject” by sketching it. I know a piece is complete when I reach the point where I have nothing more to say to define it. When my work is progressing well, I am filled with a sense of caution to approach the ending slowly. When people see my work, I‘d hope they would have a connection through my work. Continue reading →

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Posted on May 17, 2012 by Chris Johnson

 

This is a Pastel I did in our portrait open session we have at the school. The open studio is a great opportunity to work on creating work from a live model. I have seen such an improvement in my work since attending these sessions. We are very fortunate to have the open studio at Amarillo Art Institute.

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3R’s; Reflection; Reaction; Realization

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Chris Johnson

This painting was featured in “Pastel Journal Magazine” as an honorable mention in a recent show. It is the faces of one individual in different stages of thought. Reflection, reaction, and realization. It is a pastel and is 12X16.

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“Lester Crow”

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Chris Johnson

This painting is of a friend of mine who is a native american. He and his wife collect clothes and takes them to the reservations through out the midwest. This oil is 11×14.

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