I am a color-loving abstract artist, creating art that adds beauty and life to any space. Inspired deeply by the Creator, I study the landscape, sea, sky and clouds as the sunlight changes their colors. I enjoy using the visual language of art to express concepts that words alone cannot capture. All these elements make their way into each piece where there are layers of history alternating with open spaces to rest and contemplate before going back for more of the story.

I discovered my love for art in sixth grade when Mrs. Bird, our itinerant art teacher, brought in thin metal scraps and tools to make small sculptures.  My imagination kicked in and I forgot about time and lunch.  I was hooked.  My fascination of archeology also started at this time.  A hint of what lies beneath the surface – discovery of treasure and mystery in the layers.  I find that art and archeology continue to meet up in my work.   After learning more from a wonderful art teacher in high school, I went on to earn my Bachelors of Arts degree in Studio Art at California State University, Long Beach.

The artistic process is a balance of science and intuition. I enjoy the physicality of the chemistry of colors and expressing them with acrylic paint, oil crayon, wax, graphite, transparent glazes, marks and painterly gestures. Simultaneously presenting as calm and dynamic.

Abstract painting is like creating a puzzle and solving it at the same time. In most paintings, there is a point of happy accidents – unintended movements of the hand, paint, or tool that adds or subtracts an element. As I respond to each one, it changes the direction of the painting.  People ask me how I know when a painting is finished. It’s when I can sit back and enjoy the story – it’s like I’m seeing the finished piece for the first time and it brings me joy and wonder.

All of my pieces are originals. 1/1.
Art and beauty is not a luxury, but a necessity in life. A salve to the soul. We are made for it and it calls to us deeply.

Kathy is married to her wonderful husband, Erik and lives in San Diego.

Kathy Johnson Studio gives back.  Being a good steward of the gifting God has given me and grateful for what we have, we are helping at-risk children, widows and the most the isolated gives us joy.