(Image: "Tide Pool Reflections" by Diana Johnson)

Diana Johnson is a painter using oils and pastels based in Freeport. She has two degrees, one in Art Education and the other in Adult Education, both from the University of Southern Maine and presently Diana teaches art to adults. She says that “the focus of my work is the Maine landscape. I look for places that elicit both a sense of rest and rejuvenation while paying attention to the fluid effects of radiant energy on land, water, and air. The more a painting seems to emit energy, as if from the paper or canvas itself, the happier I am with the results. I try to suggest, with pigment, the essential vitality and liveliness that is inherent in tranquil, peaceful places.” Diana is a member of the Pastel Society of America and has received awards and grants, including a “Good Idea” grant from the Maine Arts Commission in 2007. Her work is exhibited in Maine galleries and she has also been included in New York exhibitions at the National Arts Club.

When did you first realize that you were going to be an artist and when did
you first start making art?
Luckily, my mother encouraged my love of "making things" throughout my childhood. When I was 11 years old, she gave me $1.50 every Saturday morning and I would walk one mile and climb three flights of stairs to take art lessons in Esther Barney's studio apartment.

Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by the natural world. Favorite writers inspire me—especially Ralph Waldo Emerson. Many works of art inspire me, in particular the paintings of George Inness.

(Image: "Meadow in Spring" by Diana Johnson)

Is (was) anyone else in your family in the arts?
My husband is both a writer and a sculptor. I enjoy a supportive and creative atmosphere at home and in my community.

Are you self-trained or did you go to art school?
I earned a B.S. degree in Art Education. While in college, I spent as many hours as possible in the art studios.

Is the process of creating your art long or short?
I enjoy the process, so tend to stretch it out. I spend a great deal of time at the "concept stage". Usually I sketch and create studies on location then use both of these as reference material for studio works.

Tell us something about your work.
The focus of my work is the landscape. I work primarily with pastels and oils. Painting is my way to share what I notice about the world we live in. I like the ongoing challenge of trying to make ideas visible. The theme that occurs most frequently in my work is the subtle juxtaposition of contrasting elements. For example when searching seemingly tranquil landscapes I look for ways to suggest energy and vitality. I strive to create a tangible sense of atmosphere in my works - a déjà vu feeling of sorts. As I work with pastels, layer after layer of pigment, I find myself thinking about the "air" that seeps into and around each layer as the pigment begins to resemble landscape.

(Image: "Hillside Farm" by Diana Johnson)

Do you have a subject matter that defines you as an artist?
The landscape is my subject of choice. I am most interested in how the subject can help me communicate my thoughts. I frequent places that are special to me. These special places include a favorite marsh, a favorite field, and a favorite tree.

What makes you stay with a particular subject matter? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite marsh truly fascinates me. I often think that I would like to paint it once a week for an entire year just to watch the way the shape of light on the grass moves as the angle of the sun changes.

How do you stay motivated?
One idea leads to the next, so I often work in a series format. Usually I start thinking about my next project about three-quarters of the way through my current painting.

What have you been working on lately? Are you experimenting with anything new?
It has been a few years since I last used a popular pastel paper called "Wallis". Recently I started using it again. Wallis paper has a gritty, sanded surface that accepts many layers of pastel.

(Image: "Balancing Lemons" by Diana Johnson)

Has your medium changed from when you first became an artist?
I have used pastels since I was a child. Throughout university and beyond I used oils. In 1990 I returned to pastel as my primary medium. Currently I work with both pastel and oils. I like to incorporate watercolor and acrylic into my practice as well.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
I would quote Nita Leland when she wrote, "play, plan, and paint—not necessarily in the same order every time".

What kind of comment do you despise the most when overheard at one of your openings?
I haven't heard any comments that bother me.

What kind of comment pleases you the most when overheard at one of your
openings?
"Look at the light!"

(Image: "After the Snowstorm" by Diana Johnson)

How have you handled the business side of being an artist?
Being organized is the key, and I use the usual set of computer tools to keep track of my inventory, my finances, etc.

Do you have any outside interests other than art?
I am an avid reader of fiction as well as non-fiction. I have a strong interest in teaching. After receiving my M.S.Ed. degree in Adult Education; I have enjoyed offering art classes through local community programs.

Are you disciplined about your creative process (in other words, do you treat the process like a job, where you keep particular hours in the studio), or are you more spontaneous?
I spend time in the studio almost every day. Some days I may have a whole day to work and other days I may only have an hour.

(Image: "Glimpse of Sun" by Diana Johnson)

What's the best part of being a full time, working artist?
Being engaged and energized by the art making process.

What's the worst part of being a full time, working artist?
It is one thing to make the work and an entirely different mind set to take care of the business side of things. I try to be as efficient as possible with the business side of the job so that I can spend as much time painting as possible.

Do you have any upcoming shows?
In October and November, 2012, I will be part of a group show at Yarmouth Frame Shop and Gallery.

Where can we find your work?
My pastel works are on view in Wiscasset at Wiscasset Bay Gallery and my oils are exhibited in Yarmouth at Yarmouth Frame Shop and Gallery. You can also find my work at www.dianajohnsonfineart.com.

- Brenda Bonneville, editor

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