L Diane Johnson

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!

New Azalea Show in VA and Painting Live in Raleigh

2008-05-19T16:40:00.006-04:00

THANKS TO ALL who visited with me at the opening of my show at The Little Gallery on Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, yesterday! For those of you who missed it, the show will run through June 8th so you have lots of time to visit. We had a great turn-out and I appreciate all the comments and purchases regarding this latest collection of pastels, acrylics and oil paintings titled, Azaleas on Parade.

The collection is now posted on my gallery site here, except for sold pieces that will be moved to the archives online.

NEXT UP - Painting live in Raleigh, NC. The Collectors Gallery on Blake Street in Downtown Raleigh has invited me to paint on location in and around the gallery and park:
Wednesday, May 21st
Saturday, May 24th
Wednesday, May 28

from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Simply stop into the gallery or call beginning at 10:00 a.m. to inquire about where I am painting. I look forward to visiting with collectors, artists and the general public during this special, first-time event. Ya’ll come:)

The Collectors Gallery
323 Blake St
Raleigh, NC 27601
919.828.6500

St. Simons, GA: PAP-SE Paint Out

2008-04-26T13:01:00.014-04:00

LAST EVENING MARKED MY FIRST SHOW WITH PAP-SE (Plein Air Painters of the Southeast) of which I was recently inducted as a member. We spent the last week painting beautiful St. Simons Island and surrounding areas which culminated in an exhibition and sale that will run through the month of May at Anderson Fine Art Gallery. Most of the exclusive PAP-SE group of 22, was out in full-force painting and enjoying the incredible weather.

This photo is of me painting just before the exhibition, followed by the final work. I did not realize until I was finished, that around the other side of this particular tree was a plaque. The text said the tree I had been painting was the oldest live oak on Jekyll Island! Of all the trees I could have painted, I was stunned to find it was an important tree indeed.

Oldest Live Oak, Jekyll Island
8x24 in. | Oil

Here are just the two of the pieces that are available now at the gallery - not yet posted to my web site but are here for YOU to see now:

Invitation

10 x 8 in. | Acrylic

This painting is of historic Christ Church, on St. Simons Island. John Wesley preached in this church in the 1700's.

Hats

10 x 8 in. | Oil

A lyrical painting of a village storefront in the morning sunlight. Cardboard models showcased colorful hats and garb - fun to cature. Just 4 days after I painted this piece, they completely changed all the clothes. I did not have time to paint the new display live, however, have good photos for a future studio painting.

Epcot Garden Festival & Other News

2008-04-14T13:48:00.011-04:00

JUST RETURNED FROM PAINTING AT EPCOT - a great honor for the third year. Here, I am painting en plein air during Disney's Garden Festival as a part of a group of fifteen plein-air (outdoor) artists. The photo shows me painting in "Italy."

I am traveling again in two days to participate in yet another event (Spring and Autumn are my busiest traveling times.)

I will post paintings from the Epcot event as well as the upcoming major paint out as a member of Plein Air Painters of the Southeast (PAP-SE) on St. Simons Island, GA in the coming weeks. If you are on St. Simons Island, you can visit me and colleague artists painting in and around the island from April 18th through 24th. If you are in the area and want to know where I am painting, you can call me at 919.412.7005. I only use this number while on the road.

A major exhibition of works by our in-demand group of painters (of which I have recently been accepted as a member among a mere 30) will be opening Friday, April 25th at the Anderson Fine Art Gallery.

Meanwhile, please plan to visit my first major pastel (for which I became known) show in over ten years at The Little Gallery on Smith Mountain Lake. The opening is on Sunday, May 18th from 1-3. I will be there to greet collectors, artists and anyone enjoys my, or many other exceptional painters works represented by the gallery. I have been with this gallery for over eighteen marvelous years!

My show is all about azaleas. Callaway Gardens in Georgia, was the inspiration for this new collection. Included, will be a large oil and two medium-sized acrylic paintings. Many created on location. They will be posted to my online gallery after the exhibition and sale.

Can't wait to tell you more!

Just Launched: Art Instruction on DVD!

2008-03-31T20:06:00.006-04:00

INTRODUCING THE INAUGURAL ISSUE OF THE Traveling Painter Library - a brand new series of DVDs for beginning to advanced artists in acrylic, oil and pastel, both en plein air and in the studio!

With an ever growing demand for my workshops, I cannot reach everyone. Therefore, I have turned to producing videos that anyone can use via their computer or TV. Granted, you don’t have the personal interaction of a hand-on, in-person workshop*. Nevertheless, I promise, you will gain so much that whether you go it alone or when you do go to a workshop (whether mine or someone elses’) you’ll be well equipped! And, as a bonus, the first 50 artists who order can receive a 30 minute one-on-one with me via phone about their work!* This is not offered anywhere else! (Yes, you can email this around to artist friends for their benefit.)

Soft Pastel: A Painterly Approach, is the first of three offerings in 2008. If you are already a pastel painter, this is a great volume to help you loosen-up to capture the landscape. If a beginner, it will teach you pastel strokes along with countless tips along the way during the demonstration - even encourage to paint along, or from your own subject.

To view a listing of what’s included and a video clip of excerpt from the DVD click here. When you try this volume please send me your feedback - I want to serve you. My objective is simple - to develop extraordinary education for all. (A Soft Pastel Starter Kit for beginners will be available later in the series.)

Acrylic, Water Miscible Oil and plein-air painters stay tuned! A multi-disk comprehensive plein-air workshop is in the works along with many others listed here.

Thanks for your interest and support. I look forward to sharing my years of teaching and painting experience with you personally !

P.S.
All DVDs are in standard Letterbox format. As demand for high-definition DVDs grows will produced in that format as well.

* To qualify, you must email your invoice number of your DVD back to the original PayPal purchase email address along with your email address. Details will then be sent to qualifying individuals for their free consultation/critique.

Year of the HD-DVDs!

2008-02-01T15:08:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends,

My goal-setting for this year of course includes the exhibition, sale and traveling schedule I posted in January - but there is something new on the horizon!

In 2008, I will be producing the first of many HD-DVDs called The Traveling Painter Library. Whether in my studio or on location outdoors, I'll be teaching on film so that more of you can have access to lessons even if you cannot participate in a workshop.

Subjects will be many, but will start with Soft Pastel: A Painterly Approach, now in production. I cannot wait to roll out the first volume in this library. I will also offer the sessions in other formats even though by the end of 08, most broadcasters and TVs will be going fully High Definition.

Will keep you posted! And do send in your "wish list" of subjects. I have a master list but am confident you'll have ideas too!

L Diane Johnson: 2008 Exhibition & Show Schedule

2008-01-16T15:50:00.000-05:00

Collectors and Colleagues,
Following is my 2008 exhibition schedule thus far - it is more expansive than I ever imagined! I hope wherever you are, you’ll come to see the works and opportunities to purchase fine art whether by me, or colleague painters:

Currently showing:
Through 1.28.08
Second Annual Members Show
Plein Air Painters of Hawaii
Maui Hands Gallery
Paia, Maui, HI

Disney Epcot International Flower & Garden Invitational
Friday, 4.4.08 through 4.6.08
Invitation to my collectors and general public, who have visited on-site and purchased the past three years and those new to this event! I love talking to both adults, children and groups about painting. Please stop by anytime. I will post the country within Epcot I will be painting in I arrive. Many collectors and friends are anxious to see this year’s fesitival. I am equally excited to see you all again and make new friends in 2008!

Plein Air Painters of the South East Painting Exhibition
Anderson Fine Art Gallery
As a member among 18 artists, I will be painting on location at St. Simons Island, GA from 4.21.08-4.24.08, please visit and enjoy the adventure!
Opening Exhibition Reception: Friday, 4.25.08

Azaleas on Parade
L. Diane Johnson Solo Show
Opening Reception 5.18.08, 1-3 pm; Through 6.8.08
Special exhibition of plein-air pastel, oil and acrylic collecton of azalea landscapes. This the long-awaited, first year I have broken my sabitical with pastel to present a new colleciton to you!
Little Gallery on Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta VA

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
World Tour of Contemporary Landscape Artists
I’ll once again be a part of four bold venues this year with two to three of my newest paintings represented among thirty painters from the U.S. and several other countries. A grand opportunity to view/purchase pieces from major landscape painters from around the world. If you are near or at one of these locations don’t miss this exhibition/sale:

4.21.08 – 5.21.08
The Link Gallery
Fish Creek, Door County, WI
3900 County F
Fish Creek, WI 54212
E: staff@peninsulaartschool.com
P: 920.868.3455

6.1.08 – 7.6.08
Culrural Arts Council of
Estes Park Fine Art Gallery
304 E. Elkhorn Avenue
Estes Park, Colorado
P: 970.586.9203

7.21.08 - 9.18.08
Old School House Art Center
112 Fern Road West,
Qualicum Beach, B.C., Canada
P. 250.752.6133

9.18.08 – 1.4.09
Terrace Gallery
400 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32802-4990
P: 407-246-4279

Christmas on The Lake

2007-12-10T17:49:00.000-05:00

JUST A PIC of me painting yesterday at the annual Christmas show at The Little Gallery on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. It was nearly 70 degrees out! Since I had my painting gear with me I painted on the deck for visitors who were enjoying the weather!

Painting on Creighton Island - Slide Show

2007-11-18T12:12:00.002-05:00

VIEW SHOW about my recent excursion to Creighton Island - view some finished paintings in the last post...

New: Plein Air Coastal Paintings

2007-11-16T08:20:00.001-05:00

Dusk Over The Pond

8 x 16 in. | Oil | Click for Complete Information

ALL NEW PIECES DONE ON THE EAST AND WEST COASTS. The first three were recently created on a remote private place, Creighton Island, off the coast of Georgia. Eleven painters spent a week creating works uninterrupted. No roads, no other people and only two hours of electricity each day. A wonderful, untouched landscape to enjoy painting.

Morning Munch

6 x 8 in. | Acrylic | Click for Complete Information

Cows grazing in one of the small island areas for them to eat. The island is only 1 by 2 miles and heavily wooded.

Sunrise Over Creighton

7 x 5 in. | Acrylic | Click for Complete Information

This painting created on this island: a tiny morning piece glowing in the sun. The mist was wonderful to capture.

Carmel Mist

12 x 16 in. | Oil | Click for Complete Information

Turning to the West coast, this was painted along the coast off Carmel. Enchanting marsh and inlet at sunrise.

Photo Courtesy of Artist, Mikki Dillon

Me painting in the blowing wind on Creighton Island; note the palm. But it was worth it. The piece I am working on is not yet framed. You will see it here soon!

New Painting: Lilies, Trees & Pond

2007-11-14T16:29:00.000-05:00

Dusk Over The Pond

14 x 11 in. | Acrylic | Click for Complete Information

ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE LOCATIONS in a small town. This pond is loaded with interesting grasses and water lilies. It always sparkles in the sunlight, even near sunset.

Painting the Landscape - Indoors

2007-11-06T16:24:00.001-05:00

LAST EVENING I participated in a church-wide event with over fifty business-to-business vendors, ranging from dentistry to photography. I had a free space to feature original paintings, but also delighted to paint live, front and center in the vast room. I had to use one of my photos to paint from as the lighting was low (and no trees or streams exist in a late-night conference :) Here is a pic of me starting the painting. And following...

Just an hour and a half later, a nearly completed painting. It will be available for sale online soon after a few minor adjustments for color and sign it off.

Coming next...my trip to Creighton Island of last week. So many grand photos and paintings coming...stay tuned.

Latest Workshop Photos

2007-10-24T11:10:00.000-04:00

Breath of Autumn Plein Air Workshop

THE LATEST ALBUM from my plein-air workshop of last week.
See participants paint and also my demos...Enjoy!

As always, I learn so much from my students who challenge and enlighten me. Thanks to all who came, it was a wonderful time of discovery and painting en plein air!

It's Back! L Diane Johnson Fine Art Gifts...

2007-10-14T20:19:00.000-04:00

L Diane Johnson Fine Art Gifts

BY POPULAR DEMAND I have reworked and redesigned my online shop for gift, apparel and home decor items with CafePress. Long respected for it's fulfillment and customer service, I have created new products with more on the way. All of course have a painting applied. Take a look to see what all the hub-bub is about. If you don't see your favorite piece posted there just let me know. I invite customer suggestions.

L. Diane Johnson Fine Art Gifts - Art for Everyday Living! Christmas IS coming, and there are hundreds of beautiful cards and ornaments ready for delivery - 2008 calendars will be rolled-out soon!

New Painting: Pony & Peaches

2007-10-08T18:07:00.001-04:00

Grazing Among the Peaches

6 x 8 in. | Acrylic on Linen Board

WHILE ON VACATION to paint the Smokey Mountains, the weather was not conducive to painting at all, even though I love painting in the rain and unique weather conditions. Although tough to paint last week, I took along a few photos that have shaped the region where I live. This piece is especially significant to me...the peach orchard has recently been leveled to build a housing development (known here as a PUD: "Planned Unit Development")

I am excited to have had been given permission by the owners of that land several years ago to shoot photos of this orchard. They were cautious and reluctant, as most folks are when approached by a stranger. Nevertheless, I was able to shoot photos rapidly rather than paint on location in this situation. I was just thankful to capture images of the land, home and pony all at the same time. This painting is a composite of what I came away with from the location.

Church Painting Finished

2007-09-28T14:34:00.000-04:00

JUST COMPLETED "Whosoever...", Acrylic on linen, 16x20 in., that I started on site a couple of days ago. (See photo in post below.) As the piece will be used for a cover in November, I decided to change it from a late Summer scene to an Autumn one. The magazine staff was very happy to hear I could do this. I gave it a try and am very happy with the result. Enjoy!

"Painting the Town", Painting the Church...

2007-09-25T14:56:00.000-04:00

HERE IS WHERE I PAINTED THIS MORNING. I was asked by my church to paint for the cover of our magazine; a forthcoming issue directed towards creativity - whether an author, musician, artist, etc.

Knowing that God gave "all men gifts", I was delighted and thankful to paint for Him; yet there were challenges. Trying to make our huge campus-like architecture warm and inviting took time for me to scope-out. Brick-and-mortar alone does not constitute nor convey God or His Church. Spending a previous day observing from vantage-points high and low (and doubtful of finding a location) I sought a spot which could relay our message without people in the image...and He is what we are all about.

The building faces North, therefore, never receives direct sunlight. However, I found a place to the side that receives early morning light. All the doors were closed yet, God never closes. A church and its building should be open at all times, and ours is. After all my research, you will see how I solved this issue.

I setup my equipment at 8:30 am today in the hope of generating a tough concept to capture via photos or on canvas.

See the final painting in my next message...it is not finished yet! I must complete this one in the studio...

Meaningful Little Paintings

2007-09-18T17:51:00.000-04:00

Want to share this little 8x8 painting with you. It sold off my easel at Epcot during their annual Spring garden festival. On this particularly hot day, I could not find an inspiring subject. So, I went into the shade at a sidewalk store front, looked over my easel and voila, I painted this charming little dish. Unknowingly, a couple who has this same pattern passed by several times during my painting session to view; then purchased what meant so much to them.

Artists don't realize who may be watching or what someone may like. I was enchanted by my subject and someone else was too! I appreciate those who visit me while painting on location, especially when I happen to be creating just the right image!

New Plein Air Wear Site

2007-09-10T13:20:00.000-04:00

New Plein Air Wear site merges with The Artists Closet

HI PAINTERS and COLLECTORS. You are probably already aware of The Artists Closet's presence on the Web for some time. I have merged this and rolled it into a new site - Plein Air Wear, which you too, may be familiar with. These two sites had so much to offer but now they are one!

As always, the focus is on education for beginning to advanced painters with a twist. The ever-popular artists clothing, aprons and gift shop is now in full-swing, with new products and added designs. I hope you enjoy the changes. One thing has not changed - all of the content once in The Artists Closet is now featured at the new domain. Take a look around and let me know what YOU think.

Also, please communicate what you'd like to see added to the site in terms of content. This service is for colleague painters, so if something is or is not working for you let me know!

Plein Air Workshop Photos

2007-08-29T13:05:00.001-04:00

Diane demonstrates in Sarah Duke Garden

Soft Pastel Landscape Workshop Album

VIEW THE LATEST WORKSHOP ALBUM from August 24-26. Participants were troupers in the record-breaking heatwave. Enjoy!

How Did You Do That?

2007-08-23T17:08:00.000-04:00

Blossom Shower

Soft Pastel on Museum Board

COLLECTORS, FRIENDS AND STUDENTS alike have asked me about how I can possibly start with a bare canvas or paper and produce a painting! "How is it that you can create a painting from a mess of paint initially thrown on the surface?"

The answer is not an easy one. Nevertheless, here are some clues...

Any trade or profession requires technical skill, as well as thinking, emotion, and talent combined. All of these elements (except our natural God-given talent) require an enormous investment in "time" to develop. It takes time to learn, to practice, or to produce something, including a work of art. I am just beginning to realize the role time plays in being a painter. Not the time spent in executing an individual painting, but rather, life experience in total. Creating art is a lifelong process.

So how do I answer the above question? I don't really know. What I do know that nothing comes easily. Each painting I create is challenging yet deeply rewarding. But I no longer worry or think about the finished product. If I concentrate on rendering what I am observing as I paint the final result takes care of itself.

It's not really a question of "how I did" this or that, but rather, what comes as a result of the whole creative process. As many have said, "painting is like handwriting." No matter what skills are gained or attained, each person's signature is unique. So it is with painting.

There is something in painting which cannot be explained, and that something is essential. You come to nature with all your theories, and she knocks them all flat. - Pierre Auguste Renoir