Featured Artist Linda Clark Johnson

Beautiful shades of blue, interspersed with dappled, sunlit imagery create ethereal “altered cyanotypes” by artist Linda Clark Johnson. Visit this artist’s website to see more of her work.

 

"Flying Dream" Cyanotype with Watercolor, 29.5" x 41" by artist Linda Clark Johnson. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Flying Dream” Cyanotype with Watercolor, 29.5″ x 41″

 

I like to say that my art is “blue magic!” I create paintings using an alternative photographic process called cyanotype (pronounced sigh-an-o-type). Cyanotype is a technique from the 1800s that produces deep blue and white prints when chemically treated paper is exposed to UV light. My cyanotype images are printed outdoors in the California sun using local plants and flowers.

 

"Longstock Moon" Cyanotype with Collage, 14" x 14" by artist Linda Clark Johnson. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Longstock Moon” Cyanotype with Collage, 14″ x 14″

 

Many artists make botanical cyanotypes, but I’m striving to develop my own style within the medium by combining cyanotype with other techniques. I began making simple blueprints (also called sunprints) five years ago. I quickly started altering the process, integrating my watercolor, printmaking and collage experience to create mixed media pieces. I’ve been completely captivated with cyanotype ever since.

 

"A Sky of Honey" Cyanotype, Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 20" x 20" by artist Linda Clark Johnson. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“A Sky of Honey” Cyanotype, Watercolor and Colored Pencil, 20″ x 20″

 

In my “altered cyanotype” work I push the limits of the traditional process to shift colors and create atmospheric effects by drastically changing exposure times, adding extra chemicals, moisture and heat, and using eco-printing techniques. I also alter my pieces during printing with double exposures, partial exposures and staggered exposures.

 

"Autumn Blush" Cyanotype, Watercolor and Graphite, 20" x 20" by artist Linda Clark Johnson. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Autumn Blush” Cyanotype, Watercolor and Graphite, 20″ x 20″

 

After rinsing and drying a print I work back into the surface with watercolor, graphite, acrylic or collage. Sometimes my cyanotypes are bleached and toned to coax shades of yellow, ochre, green, brown and deep navy from the blue prints.

 

"Between Dreaming and Dawn" Cyanotype Double Exposure with Collage and Graphite, 41" x 29.5" by artist Linda Clark Johnson. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Between Dreaming and Dawn” Cyanotype Double Exposure with Collage and Graphite, 41″ x 29.5″

 

These finished cyanotype works blur the line between the genres of photography and painting.

 

"Nebulina Azul 1" Cyanotype, 20" x 20" by artist Linda Clark Johnson. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Nebulina Azul 1″ Cyanotype, 20″ x 20”

 

The technical aspects of cyanotype printing really excite me, and I love to experiment by changing it up and challenging myself.

 

"Kahaku Makani" Cyanotype with Collage and Acrylic, 11" x 15" by artist Linda Clark Johnson. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Kahaku Makani” Cyanotype with Collage and Acrylic, 11″ x 15″

 

I combine all the tricks in my art toolkit to achieve new effects, and there have been some fantastic surprises along the way! I enjoy overcoming logistical challenges, too. (There must be a little science nerd in my genes.) I find that viewers are very curious about how my pieces are made.

 

"Nebulina Azul 5" Cyanotype and Watercolor, 20" x 20" by artist Linda Clark Johnson. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Nebulina Azul 5″ Cyanotype and Watercolor, 20″ x 20”

 

Through my work I hope to share something ethereal and intriguing with viewers, and to arouse their curiosity. I envision taking them to a serene and beautiful place. Here in Northern California, I’m surrounded by abundant natural beauty. I study the plants and trees near my home, wondering what gorgeous shadow shapes they might create. My paintings celebrate the beautiful patterns I see in nature.

 

"Spring in the Alley 2" Cyanotype, 11" x 15" by artist Linda Clark Johnson. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Spring in the Alley 2″ Cyanotype, 11″ x 15”

 

In addition to making art, I teach art to adults and children. Teaching is a real joy! I lead classes in my Sacramento studio as well as “on the road.” I’ve been invited to teach in Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts and even Mexico, and it’s so much fun.

 

"Summer Dreaming" Cyanotype Double Exposure, 29.5" x 29.5" by artist Linda Clark Johnson. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com

“Summer Dreaming” Cyanotype Double Exposure, 29.5″ x 29.5″

 

I love making art. I wake up planning my next creative move and my work is what propels me forward each day. My goals right now are to increase the complexity in my images with layered materials and meanings and to book a gallery show outside of the Sacramento area.

 

Artist Linda Clark Johnson invites you to follow her on Instagram.

 

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Comments

  1. mary king says

    I LOVE YOUR WORK HERE, LINDA!

    • Thank you so much Mary! I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Did you have a chance to look at my website? There’s lots more work there. I hope you’ll check it out – lindaclarkjohnson.com
      🙂

  2. Beautiful work and I’m excited to read about the differing exposure processes and your multimedia work. I’m just starting working with cyanotype after years of charcoal drawing. So far I’m mainly working with negatives but have done some direct plant prints. Your work has inspired me thank you for sharing!

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