“I
have two different ways to pursue my art; I like to paint people
and places.” commented Sam Johnston, artist of versatile passions.
His subjects include people
of all ages in a wide variety of settings, reflecting not only the
artist’s innate talent, but also his years
of classical studies of the human form. As he observed in a recent interview
about his portraiture, his aim is to paint people in such a way that
he involves the viewer with the personality of the subject.
Sam
paints landscapes in oil from scenes near his home in Carmel Valley,
CA , to which he was drawn by the spectacular countryside and small town
warmth. Leaving New York, where he studied at the Art Students’ League,
he embraced the rural California setting as his inspiration. He creates
a visual dialogue between the painting and the viewer, a chat between
old friends, who appreciate the artistic bounty of the California’s
Central Coast.
Whether contemplating the
lacy shadows of the Mesa Trail or admiring the sparkling immediacy
of a portrait, the viewer feels a satisfying
appreciation of the artist’s rendering. Sam’s work is collected
around the country and is particularly popular in Monterey County, where
his images have a special appeal to those who know the terrain. For more
information about Sam Johnston’s portraits and landscapes, please
call the artist at 831-392-6275.