L Diane Johnson

England Photo Sampler

2009-07-06T15:59:00.005-04:00

Here are just a few of the thousands of pictures I shot while in England last week. Toured in Essex, Sufolk, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Kent and more with husband and friends. Incredible weather, sites, smells and beauty that is England. Enjoy! Needless to say, you will be seeing paintings from other of my sketches and photos in the coming weeks and months ahead.

Group Show: Durham N.C.

2009-04-14T09:57:00.003-04:00

Hi All!

My work will be included as part of a group show celebrating the 20th anniversary of For Garden's Sake Nursery. PAINT NC's Plein Air Show will be held:

Friday/Saturday, April 17/18, 9-6
Sunday, April 19, 10-4

9157 NC Highway 751
Durham, NC 27713
919.484.9759

Come see and support the plein-air painters of Wake County and surrounding areas. Each artist will have one to three pieces featured. And, the plants at the nursery are at the height of their color right now!

Paintings Sold at The Villa, Winter Park, Florida

2009-03-30T14:02:00.012-04:00

Thrilled to announce the sale of two paintings through The Villa, in Winter Park, FL - one of my top gallery partners:

Garden Profusion
20x24 in.

Afternoon Tea
20x24 in.

Both of these pieces were created on location in Burgundy, France.

Will soon be posting pieces created while at Epcot last weekend!

New Painting | Framing & Painting Information

2009-03-16T15:11:00.008-04:00

Aside from this new painting being posted, following is some great info for collectors and artists. This is the second painting of the first snowfall where I live in N.C.:

First Light 2
20x24 in.
Acrylic on Linen

Had lunch the other day with a conservator at the NC Museum of Art...one of the top places on the East Coast for art conservation. Also was treated to a tour of the conservation studio.

I knew this but did not think much of it - artists long ago (and even some today), used to paint; then either finish (or sometimes do the whole painting) with the frame over the piece. Interesting? Yes. Why? Why would someone paint with the frame around the painting while they are working?

Many possible reasons:

To make the piece work with the frame, as many consider the frame and painting to be one in the same. Just as your own body. Your face is the painting. When you dress, you consider the whole outfit, not just the top, bottom or shoes. All has to go together with YOU. Likewise with a painting.
Point of reference. Sometimes we lose sight of what we are painting and a frame assists with keeping things in perspective. Most especially if the frame is overpowering the scene...
Appropriateness: Is the frame right for the painting? You know immediately if it is or not just by painting with the piece inside the frame. Don't go with the "in" thing, go with what is right for the painting. If you have a piece that needs something clean and simple don't put an ornate frame on it just because that is what everyone else is doing! That can kill the painting and draw all attention to the frame.
And so on...

Question many ask is:

"Why does the frame cost more than the painting?"

This is an easy one:

If a frame is gold guilt and placed on an inmature work, yes, obviously, the frame is worth more than the art.
If a frame is equal in value to the art, that makes for the best combination.
If you are framing an inexpensive poster or print, the price of the frame (plus glass, mat, etc., if necessary) can far outweigh in cost.
However, there are times (such as in museums) when the frame must be remade (please, do not remove any frame from your old paintings yourself) to fit in with the time of the painting and it’s origin, i.e. Holland, France, U.S., etc. Many frames are masterfully created by hand by artisans with countless hours invested in them.

This topic alone could take a book to cover it all. But just wanted to give you a taste.

For more information about conservation contact Perry Hurt, Associate Conservator, at the NC Museum of Art. Tell him Diane sent you. He is very giving, offers lectures, and wants to share his knowledge of the history of paint (in particular.)

Slide Shows of Diane's Work

2009-03-04T14:48:00.003-05:00

Here is an easy to view images of my paintings - for your enjoyment. I will be adding more shows to the this list as time goes on. Enjoy!

| Get your Presentation Pack

Paintings: Recently Sold & New

2009-02-19T15:49:00.007-05:00

JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO, it snowed here in central N.C. It was wonderful to see children playing who had never even seen snow before. This piece is from the morning after the fall as the sun was rising up to hit chilled grasses. Enjoy!

Waiting to Serve
14x18 in.
Oil on Linen

I'm thrilled to say that this shrimp boat has sold. Wish you could have been with me as I painted this scene just before sunset off the S.C. coast.

Waiting to Serve
10x8 in.
Oil on Linen

More coming soon!

"Revolution in Paint"

2009-02-04T16:40:00.002-05:00

Revolution in Paint

Colleagues and collectors: this link may be of interest to you both. Many already know about how the traditional palette of colors transitioned to the Impressionists up to today. Yet, if YOU want a review, or to learn for the first time the pivotal points about the storage vehicles that lead to contemporary paint, this 5-page article is for you. The exhibition that toured during 2007, "Revolution in Paint" is cited. However, I have talked personally with the author and wanted to send this to you. Art discoveries are timeless. And those who do the research never stop the search...

Perry has created many hours-worth of investigation with presentations online on these subjects:To reach the author, Perry Hurt contact him directly here: PHurt@ncmamail.dcr.state.nc.us

History of Paint, (in three parts, four hours total, from pre-historic to the 20th century)
Greatest Hits of Paint, (one hour condensed version of above)
History of Paint, (in three parts, four hours total, from pre-historic to the 20th century)
Revolution in Paint, 1 hour (19th century paint and the impressionists)
Medieval Painting, 1 hour (mostly about egg tempera painting)
The Birth of Oil Painting, 1 hour (mostly about the late medieval and early renaissance)
Painting for the Pharaohs, 1 hour (Egyptian painting)
When Artist's Forgot their Paint, 1 1/2 hours (About 18th century English painting, regarding painting materials and techniques, which in many ways paved the way for the impressionists and modern painting)

To reach the author, Perry Hurt contact him directly here: PHurt@ncmamail.dcr.state.nc.us

Diane Now on FaceBook & LinkedIn

2009-01-28T10:31:00.002-05:00

I hope my collectors, colleagues and fans will join me on LinkedIn:

and on FaceBook:

See YOU there!
Diane

New Year for Your Art Collection

2009-01-13T17:26:00.002-05:00

MAXIMIZING YOUR ART COLLECTION

Addressing the use of your art collection is a very simple yet much overlooked topic.

You purchase a few pieces of art (maybe many), hang them in your home or office...and there they stay! You continue to add lovely art or sculpture because you love every piece.

Many of my clients ask, "I bought this painting (sculpture, vase, or framed this heirloom, etc.) but don't know here to put it." Or, "I have consulted my interior designer, talked to friends and family, but..."

Most of the time, rotating the existing pieces you have will solve the problem! Your collection-large or small-is YOUR collection. Move it! Even if you simply remove paintings/prints from the walls and place them in different rooms against a wall to "test" their appearance, you'll be amazed at what you'll discover.

Remember, your art is on hanging on hooks (or is placed on a pedestal or on a table), NOT glued down. ENJOY what you have - feel free to move it around. Many even find it pleasurable to switch a collection between two locations - they place their vacation home art in their primary residence, and visa-versa.

I am guilty of this myself, and I'm an artist/collector! Moving things from your walls seems like a LAST resort for freshening a room, but can be one of the FIRST - without even moving any furniture!

New Paintings at The Little Gallery

2008-12-05T14:23:00.002-05:00

Just in time for holiday giving, a grouping of new of my works are now at The Little Gallery on Smith Mountain Lake, VA. Visit during their annual Christmas Show on Sunday, December 7th, 1-3 p.m. and receive a 10% discount off everything in the gallery.

New: Shrimp Boat Painting

2008-11-04T09:52:00.004-05:00

STARTED ON LOCATION off the East coast, an old shrimp boat listed in the harbor waiting to search for the next catch.

Waiting to Serve
10x8 in.
Oil on Linen

Plein Air Workshops - October 2008

2008-10-01T15:14:00.000-04:00

I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE two new plein-air workshops in Raleigh, NC, hosted by The Collectors Gallery.

These one-day workshops cover specific topics artists have requested. You can sign up for just one or both (discount available.) Open to artists painting en plein air in acrylic, soft-pastel, oil or watercolor. We will paint in the historic City Market and Moore Square. And in the event of rain we'll still paint. Hope to see you there!

TACKLING GREEN
1-day – Friday, October 24, 2008
Fee: 160.
For the landscape painter, creating the right green for any situation is among the greatest yet most satisfying challenges – especially when something may not appear to be green! Discover how to "see" any type of green then tackle how to mix and apply to your painting. Whatever your style or media, Diane will work with you personally to achieve your goals and offer concrete, effective exercises. You will then create luminous color while painting en plein air.

TACKLING ARCHITECTURE
1-day – Saturday, October 25, 2008
Fee: 160.
There is more to the landscape than pure land. It may also include architecture - from bridges and fences to historic buildings and skyscrapers. As an expert in architectural rendering, Diane will offer insights into how you can paint architecture by eye, how to down-select for more powerful creative compositions, or to incorporate other elements into your paintings. You will paint on location to apply the many concepts Diane shares and demonstrates.

Fresh Painting of Sailboats...

2008-09-18T18:32:00.006-04:00

THIS IS A PIECE I SO MUCH enjoyed creating. While teaching a private student, found this nearby subject that offered a most interesting visual story. Sunlit from above, yet with a shadow created by a huge nearby tree, this scene had so much personality. Little sailing boats that serve folks by weekend, were "parked", just seemed to be awaiting someone to ride them again. Each had a different coloring and design but invited me to paint them...

Ready to Roll
24 x 48 in.
Acrylic & Oil on Linen

Welcome Ewing Observer Readers!

2008-09-03T15:53:00.006-04:00

I WAS THRILLED TO LEARN TODAY, that the Ewing Observer, Ewing, NJ, featured a cover article about my work in their paper. To those of you who are reading this as a result of the article, I am glad you came by! To view my comprehensive gallery site including available and archived works through my career, please visit LDianeJohnson.com. Here on my blog, are current events and new offerings.

Looking forward to my next visit to Ewing the last week of September to visit (and of course paint) around town and region. All the best to old friends and new as a result of reading.

For those of you who would like to read the feature, you can visit the feature, Pastel Artist is Living The Dream, online. They also posted a gallery of photos here. My thanks to staff writer, Diana Pichardo.

Quick Sketch Winner - Paint Herndon

2008-09-01T16:27:00.009-04:00

TODAY WAS YET another wonderful time of painting - this time for the Quick Sketch event at Paint Herndon (VA.) This painting took second place, created in a Herndon neighborhood. Even without awards, I have been delighted to be invited to participate in this superbly organized event. Tonight, collectors will be assembling for the main event - exhibition and sale of paintings made over the last four days.

Home Sweet Home
6 x 12 in.
Acrylic on Linen Board

Newest Plein Air Paintings - Paint Herndon

2008-08-31T18:32:00.027-04:00

JUST OF THE EASEL...four new pieces created within the last three days at Paint Herndon (VA). The first two days were rainy, yet I painted in spite of the weather. The first three were created either during rain/overcast times...and the last one today, along a river. All will be on exhibition beginning tomorrow, Labor Day, September first, through the end of the month.

Dreamin' In The Rain
12x10 in.
Acrylic on Linen Board

Additionally, if you are in the area, the twelve invited painters and now open to artists, a major Jazz Festival is sure to be a hit, along with live painting between 1 to 3 p.m.

If you would like to attend the inaugural show of artists and Artspace in Herndon, VA, please do! Coldwell Banker is sponsoring this event which has already created a “buzz” here and beyond. Looking forward to meeting/seeing my current collectors as well as new ones!

Misty Morn
8x6 in.
Acrylic on Linen Board

Heavy With Fruit
16 x 20 in.
Acrylic on Linen Board

Paint Herndon, August 29 - September 1

2008-08-28T19:49:00.003-04:00

PAINT HERNDON begins tomorrow, Friday, August 29! If you live in Northern VA, D.C. or Southern MD, don't miss this opportunity to visit with me during this historic first annual invitational event.

I will be personally be painting Breaux Vineyards, in Purcellville, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m on Saturday, August 30th. Come enjoy the expansive vineyards and paintings as I create them.

There are only twelve nationally acclaimed artists, all of whom you'd enjoy viewing or visiting with. We will be painting in the greater Herndon region including Great Falls, MD, Alexandria, vast vistas in the West to lovely Herndon. A great wine and jazz festival is planned for Labor Day while artists paint in town.

Looking forward to seeing you!

PAINT HERNDON
Friday, August 29 - Monday September 1 (Labor Day)
Awards Night begins at 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 1, 2008

ArtSpace Gallery
750 Center Street
Herndon, VA 20170
http://www.artspaceherndon.com/
Info: PaintHerndon@gmail.com
Supported by Coldwell Banker Residential

New Paintings Available: France, Italy & U.S.

2008-08-16T09:27:00.009-04:00

LOTS OF NEW THINGS GOING ON IN THE STUDIO. Here are just a few of the latest paintings now available! All are different, but I love variety and exploring life wherever it may be. Enjoy!

Monet's Entry
30x24 in.
Acrylic on Linen

Girls on Break
8x10 in.
Acrylic on Linen

Tuscan Reverie
20x24 in.
Acrylic on Linen

Diane Participates in Paint Herndon - Virginia

2008-08-14T08:07:00.007-04:00

THE HERNDON FOUNDATION FOR THE CULTURAL ARTS is hosting "Paint Herndon", a paint out competition/exhibition in combination with the annual Wine and Jazz Festival. This first annual invitational event features ten plein-air artists, including yours truly.

PAINT HERNDON
Friday, August 29 - Monday September 1 (Labor Day)
Awards Night begins at 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 1, 2008

ArtSpace Gallery
750 Center Street
Herndon, VA 20170
http://www.artspaceherndon.com/
PaintHerndon@gmail.com
Supported by Coldwell Banker Residential

Watch as we paint, come to the exhibition/sale, see even more artists participate in a Quick Paint on Monday, September 1st. Additional events: visit the Herndon Jazz and Wine festival right next door. See you there!

A Time for Artists

2008-07-22T16:08:00.003-04:00

I LOVE TALKING TO COLLECTORS, YET TODAY WAS SPECIAL FOR COLLEAGUE ARTISTS! I was pleased to invite and host a private critique session for PAINT-NC, a local plein-air group. Have not been able to paint with them for awhile, but always try to do something on record-breaking hot days (like today) in lieu of painting. Here are a few pics at different times (can never get us all together when food is on the table:)

No matter how many times I conduct a workshop or critique, I learn as much or more than those participating. "Lights were going on" all over the place. Yet, I was so blessed by having these fine painters in addition to myself, grow. That is always, good news for collectors!

Painter Town - Just for Fun

2008-07-03T18:14:00.004-04:00

JUST FOR FUN! I AM ON VACATION, and while traveling happened on the teeny-tiny town of Painter, Virginia. As a child, my father used to have me stand next to the then, giant signs welcoming folks to dozens of U.S. States. When my husband and I saw this little spot, we just had to stop and do the same even though it is a small town. Thought you'd enjoy this little stop in between vacation/painting locations!

New Gallery Representative in Florida

2008-06-26T17:15:00.004-04:00

I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE my newest gallery partner: Corse Gallery, in Jacksonville, Florida. If you live in that area and have wanted to view/purchase my works locally, now you can! I will also be conducting a plein-air workshop there in 2010. Stop by and tell the owner, Eileen Corse I said "hello!"

Corse Gallery
4144 Herschel St
Jacksonville, FL 32210
904.388-8205
corsegalleryatelier@comcast.net

City Market Paintings on Exhibition

2008-06-19T10:51:00.006-04:00

HERE ARE THE PAINTINGS I CREATED just a couple of weeks ago in Raleigh's, Moore Square and historic City Market, along with five colleagues all represented/hosted by The Collectors Gallery. Works are now on Exhibit at The Raleigh Urban Design Center, June 6 - July 5, 2008. The Center is located downtown, at 133 Fayetteville (at the corner of Fayetteville and Hargett streets.)

Market Day
Oil | 12 x 24 in.

Lunch In The Square
Oil | 11 x 14 in.

Confection Perfection
Oil | 12 x 16 in.

Painting City Market

2008-05-24T15:46:00.002-04:00

IT'S SATURDAY SO I MUST BE painting in Raleigh's City Market for the second time. Today it was drizzly and cool; then turned into a beautiful sunny day. Here, I am capturing a corner restaurant with a base coat awaiting lunch time customers who will also be in the painting. Had tons of visitors and children stop by to enjoy band music and painting live. Will post this piece when completed.

I will be there again for the last time this coming Wednesday, May 28th.

Call or visit The Collectors Gallery to see where I will be painting from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm:

323 Blake St
Raleigh, NC 27601
919.828.6500

Painting Downtown Raleigh

2008-05-21T16:19:00.002-04:00

TODAY WAS SPENT PAINTING BY INVITATION in Raleigh's City Market. This is my first time painting downtown which I have wanted to do for years. Being Wednesday, the food market was setup and many folks came down to hear live music and munch on some of the best food and goods our area has to offer. I will be there again from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. this coming Saturday and next Wednesday, May 28th.

The scene I have started in this photo is the backdrop for multiple tent vendors with fresh strawberries, flowers, breads and more.

Come join the festivities. And as I wrote in my last message, to find out where I am painting simply call or visit The Collectors Gallery:

323 Blake St
Raleigh, NC 27601
919.828.6500

I'll be sure to post all final paintings as they are completed. There will be an exhibition of the group of six painters works in June. I will let you know where the show will be held!