I had the pleasure of meeting Lynn Johnson, an Atlanta-based artist at a recent art opening at the Shain Gallery. I’ve always found her abstract florals absolutely breathtaking, and I’m so excited to share an inside look into Lynn’s artistic process and inspiration.
When did you first become interested in art?
A long, long time ago! I’m sure I was not alone in feeling pride and accomplishment when my parents would hang artwork on the refrigerator — my first solo show! I was lucky to have all sorts of outlets for my budding creativity. I frequented museums and guilds, art fairs, took ballet lessons, played piano, was in theater, orchestra, band… It was at the High School and college levels where inspiring teachers/professors made a significant impact and encouraged me to focus my interests, which I did, to drawing, painting and photography.
What is your favorite color palette to use for your paintings and why?
I am most comfortable with a neutral, soft palette. Pale blues, grays, greens, whites, yellows combined with smokey graphite, charcoal, and/or oil pastel. That said, I constantly challenge myself to venture out of my comfort zone. For the most recent show at The Shain Gallery, I’ve added a couple of pieces with stronger colors on the surface which is sort of a reversal for me. I tend to keep the more vibrant colors underneath and let little bits of them peek through.
How do you feel your surroundings inspire you as an artist?
My husband and I moved from the northwest to Atlanta nearly eighteen years ago. The charm of the South, abundant sunshine, and blue skies have greatly influenced my spirit and my painting. I paint in (mostly) natural light and love to use fresh flowers when available. A trip to the botanical garden or to my local garden center is always a good source of inspiration.
When did your interest in painting abstract florals begin?
I think it was a conscious decision I made from the start. My intent was to narrow down and simplify my efforts to further push and explore a single subject. As my work continues to evolve, I strive to maintain loose, subtle, and abstracted forms and maybe add a little lighthearted whimsy in the process. I do enjoy painting landscapes and figures, more to come on that later…
Do you paint your floral paintings from live flowers, photos, your imagination, or a combination of the three?
Definitely a combination! Live flowers are always wonderful to work with when available. A freshly picked flower, a photo, or a previous sketch are my starting points. I find as a painting begins to take shape, I am looking less at the flower for details, more for a point of reference: the color or shadow, shape. It is there that the painting becomes my interpretation rather than an accurate likeness.
You paint on both canvas and birch, which do you prefer?
Canvas is a bit more toothy and rough, grabs the paint. I am more comfortable with and have used canvas for a longer period of time than the birch panels. I feel that my particular painting technique works a bit better on canvas. However, I am forever experimenting, so maybe my answer will change after I have spent some more time with the panels.
What is a typical day in the studio like?
It begins with a colorful, spontaneous messy underpainting. Unplanned, random brush strokes, mark-making, getting my subject and color ideas together. I paint every day and work on multiple pieces at a time — a practice I’ve found allows me to not get stuck in one overworked spot. I cover and uncover my subject as the painting progresses.
How long does it take to create a new piece?
That depends on the painting and on me. If the piece I’m working on isn’t “working” the way I’d like it to, I’ll put it aside and move on to another and revisit later. A painting can take a couple of days or a couple of weeks, although I often paint over or start fresh if things aren’t coming together as quickly I’d like. Sometimes the most wonderful happy accidents occur when you make the decision to let go and start over! When I think a piece is finished I will hang it in the house, somewhere I will walk past regularly, live with it for a little while. I might find something that catches my eye, maybe something in need of some tweaking, or I will be satisfied and ready to let it go.
What is your favorite thing about prepping for a show at the Shain Gallery?
I always love a visit to Charlotte! I am thrilled to have my work hanging in such a beautiful space. I’ve met some wonderful people and artists through the gallery. Sybil & Eli are very supportive and encouraging, an absolute joy to work with.
Do you have a piece (from the recent art show) that was your favorite to paint?
I have a couple actually…. I very much like “Azaleas” and “Renew”. I think all the layers of color from underneath give them both an added depth and I like that they are a bit more abstract. They were also some of the first pieces with the addition of the white oil pastel.
You can visit Lynn’s website here, and if you live in the Charlotte area, I highly recommend that you make it to one of Lynn’s art shows at the Shain Gallery.
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