Featured Artist Layne Johnson

Artist Layne Johnson uses the magical quality of light in his paintings, creating breath-taking and majestic landscapes. Learn more about this artist by visiting his website.

 

 

I’m a lifelong, full-time artist. Art has been a central part of my life since I first picked up a paintbrush and oil paints as a kid.

 

 

After an early career as a graphic designer and illustrator working on some big brand names, I changed directions completely and leapt into the world of children’s books. For fifteen plus years, I created art for more than twenty books for children, spoke to thousands of kids and worked with wonderful publishers and authors. I loved being able to tell a story with my art, and marrying my love of history with my art was a joy. Picture books honed not only my skills, but also my appreciation for drama and love of a good story.

 

 

A few years ago, I felt a strong pull to get back to my fine art roots. While I’ve worked in almost every two-dimensional medium, my first love and my medium of choice is still oils. In my soul I’m a creator. I’m a painter, a storyteller, a builder. I love creating something that’s more than the sum of its parts.

 

 

Like most artists, my style has evolved over time. As a classically trained artist, the painters of the Hudson River School have heavily influenced me. If I had to describe my style today, I’d say it’s a blend of Luminism and Classical Realism with a touch of American Impressionism.

 

 

I believe there is incredible beauty in raw, imperfect nature. After all, a living, changing, powerful force created these landscapes. And the way light falls upon the scene can be magical or majestic—often awe-inspiring.

 

 

I’m blessed to be a Texan born and bred. This is a unique, diverse and vast state. There is so much to see and paint here! These days I’m inspired by the landscapes of the Texas Hill Country. The way the light plays upon the trees and rocky terrain. The big powerful, stormy Texas skies. The romantic sunrises and sunsets. The lazy rivers, creeks and streams.

 

 

I’ve enjoyed traveling the back roads that sometimes seem to lead nowhere in search untouched land and untold stories. My mission is to honor and paint these landscapes before they’re changed or disappear forever, and to share them with people who love this land as I do.

 

 

While I’ve been painting and taking commissions since I was a teenager, I realize my perspective and sensibilities have also changed. After a career as an illustrator and as a children’s book artist, I understand how important and crucial a narrative is. Life literally is a narrative! And while I love the freedom to paint what calls to me, I also enjoy the collaboration that comes from bringing someone else’s story or vision to life.

 

 

Some stories are subtle, some are bold, but everything, everything, has a story! It’s my goal to capture and share those special moments for my clients.

 

 

Ultimately, I hope that my art lifts you up, makes you feel MORE, makes you think, brings you peace, brings you joy, or transports you to another time or place, again and again.

 

Artist Layne Johnson invites you to follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and Pinterest.

 

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