.ABOUT THE ARTIST
DOUG JOHNSON

"Whatever your hand finds to do,
do it with all your might, for in
the grave, where you are going,
there is neither working nor planning
nor knowledge nor wisdom."
Ecclesiastes 9:10

.........These words are hanging on the wall of Doug Johnson's painting room.

.........Doug is a life long resident of Grand Island, Nebraska. As a child, he spent many hours drawing pictures. He was encouraged to do so by his family. Especially his father and great aunt. So his interest in art was sparked.

.........Doug was also a competitive person. That is, at least partly, what drives him to do well and continue to improve at painting. So he heeds the words of Solomon quoted above.

.........Though he only paints part-time now he has worked steadily for over twenty years. As of January 2003, he has completed over 250 pictures.

.........The majority of his paintings are Nebraska landscapes. He feels that this subject has garnered wide appeal and it withstands the test of time. Toward this end, Doug has been inspired by three other painters from central Nebraska. They are Hal Holoun, Ernest Oschner and Keith Lowry. Most of Doug's subject matter is similar to theirs, but his style is probably more idealized, and the chroma of his work is somewhat brighter. Most of his paintings are of a recognizable place. Many times, he will take several reference photographs of a scene from various points of view. Then he paints a picture as a composite of these different viewpoints. As he paints, he really concentrates on craftsmanship, with a strong emphasis on beauty, order and design. He starts with a basic underpainting, and proceeds, step by step, breaking the composition down into smaller and smaller elements or details.

.........Regarding technique, Doug employs quite a bit of glazing. Then as a painting progresses, he will use thicker strokes of paint, applying them in a careful manner that appears sharp and crisp. The latter is a sort of calligraphic pointillism that provides a contrast to the glazing.

........."My pictures have been critiqued as showing good draftsmanship." Doug remembers, "I consider this a great compliment, because my father was a skilled architect. It made me proud."

.........Doug's formal art education began in the early 1970's under a fine high school art teacher named Dave Young, who is now a full-time sculptor. Mr. Young helped Doug earn a few art scholarships to Kearney State College, where his training advanced after high school. Since then Doug is self-trained.

.........Doug has participated in some art shows and competitions over the years. He is grateful to have received a number of awards at such shows. These include:
.........- 7 best of show
.........- 6 first place
.........- 3 runner-up
.........- 1 third place
.........- 4 awards of excellence
.........- 15 awards of merit
.........- 2 purchase awards
.........- 1 peoples choice
.........- 7 honorable mentions

.........Some of the businesses that acquired Doug's work include:
.........- Farm Credit Services - Omaha, Nebraska
.........- Timpte Corp. - Nebraska City, Nebraska
.........- Good Samaritan Health Center - Kearney, Nebraska
.........- Some of the new Medical Facilities in Rapid City, South
.........Dakota
.........- Several Banks throughout Nebraska and surrounding
........ states

.........Galleries that now show Doug's work include:
.........- Heller Art Images - Omaha, Nebraska
.........- University Place Art Center - Lincoln, Nebraska
.........- Prairie Winds Art Center - Grand Island, Nebraska
.........- Warehouse Gallery - Grand Island, Nebraska
.........- Dave Young Studio - Deadwood, South Dakota

For more information contact
Doug Johnson
1312 Sylvan Street
Grand Island, Nebraska 68801
308-384-6011
diajohns@esu10.org

__________

.........A number of Doug's paintings shown on this website have altered dimensions so that they appear uniform on the page. Many of his paintings are no longer available for purchase since they often sell soon after he finishes painting them. You can purchase his paintings "fresh off his easel" through Art Integrated. Currently, some of the smaller paintings by Doug will sell for as little as $350. Some of his larger paintings will sell for as much as $3000.

.........Upon special agreement, Doug also enjoys and is open to doing art design and graphic design related projects. He doesn't confine himself only to painting. To arrange an appointment to discuss with Doug the possibility of using him for project related work please contact Monte Mickley at Art Integrated via the phone number below or by email. mmickley@artintegrated.com

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