Lydia Johnston's Art News

Lydia Johnston - Meet the Artist Reception

2011-08-12T09:34:00.004-04:00

Please join us for a Meet the Artist Reception on Saturday August 20th from 1 - 5pm. The reception will be held at the Lenox Gallery of Fine Art, 69 Church Street in Lenox, MA. Light refreshments will be served.

"From the Field", 20" x 16", oil on canvas

I will be showing a number of my new series of vertical flower paintings. Each has underlying vertical and horizontal panels of color over which a vase with flowers is interwoven. They are full of rich vibrant colors and lots of energy.

Come visit and see some of these vertical pieces as well as many of my meadow paintings.

New Paintings

2011-01-19T11:38:00.008-05:00

"Eastern Light", 36" x 24", oil on canvas, Lydia Johnston

I've continued all fall and into the winter on large vertical flower paintings.

"Just Picked", 40" x 30", oil on canvas

Color continues to be the main focus of these paintings.

"Coneflowers", 40" x 30", oil on canvas

"Tall Vase" and "Coneflowers" can be seen at AZ Fine Arts in Wellesley Hills, MA, outside of Boston.

"Tall Vase", 40" x 30", oil on canvas

Four more can be seen at The Lenox Gallery of Fine Art in Lenox, MA. "Eastern Light", "Just Picked", "Freesias", and "White Dreams".

"Freesias", 36" x 24", oil on canvas

"White Dreams", 40" x 30", oil on canvas

Moving Towards Abstraction

2010-09-21T09:11:00.003-04:00

"Tall Vase", 40" x 30", oil on canvas, Lydia Johnston

I'm very excited about a new series of paintings I've been working on. These are large vertical pieces, full of rich vibrant color and lots of energy.

Opening Reception, Saturday September 18th, 5-8pm

2010-09-09T10:31:00.011-04:00

"Autumn Fields", 16" x 16", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

Please join us for the opening reception Saturday, September 18th from 5-8pm at the Bennington Arts Guild. The exhibit will run from September 18th until October 11th. I will be showing pieces from my "Sky Sonata" series as well as some of my flower paintings.

Each month the Bennington Arts Guild invites two artists to exhibit in their guest gallery. I will be showing my oil paintings along with potter, Ray Bub, who will be exhibiting his ceramic art. For more information about the Lydia Johnston - Ray Bub exhibition, please visit Guest Gallery Opening.

"The Old Barn", 20" x 30", oil on canvas

The Bennington Arts Guild Gallery is located at 103 South Street at the Four Corners intersection of Downtown Bennington. It is a cooperative gallery run by artists from Bennington and the surrounding communities, open daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information call 802-442-7838 or visit Bennington Arts Guild.

Meet the Artist Reception

2010-08-12T11:08:00.006-04:00

Please join us for a Meet the Artist Reception on Saturday August 21st from 1 - 5pm. The reception will be held at the Lenox Gallery of Fine Art, 69 Church Street in Lenox, MA. Light refreshments will be served.

"Dreaming of Flowers V", 20" x 16", oil on canvas

Some of my newest meadow paintings will be on view, many in my ongoing "Gem series", as well as a new group of smaller paintings, "Dreaming of Flowers". These paintings are filled with a profusion of flowers, full of rich, vibrant colors.

Lydia Johnston's Open Studio Tour

2010-06-20T09:48:00.011-04:00

Come visit my art studio as part of a House Tour in Pownal, Vermont. The goal of the tour is to demonstrate how energy technology has influenced architectural design through the ages. There will be five houses on the tour, the oldest from 1740, with a central chimney/vertical thermal mass, to the most recent, a highly insulated thermal mass house built in 2009. My house is an energy efficient ferrocement dome house, off the grid with a photovoltaic electric system.

The tour will take place Saturday, June 26th, from 11am to 4pm. The tour begins at The Studio Club Artworks, 3301 Rte 7 in Pownal Center, where you can pick up a map to locate the five houses. The tour is free. There is a brief video to view about the homes on the tour. Two of the homes demonstrate alternative energy methods using solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, and thermal mass. The five houses showcased are as follows:

Moore/Wright Defoe House, 1740

Quarry Hill Farm House, 1820

Victorian House, 1890

Dome House, 1985

Jordan Schell-Lambert House, 2009

In conjunction with participating in the house tour, I will be opening my art studio as part of the tour. This is your opportunity to see the beautiful spot where I paint my impressionistic landscapes, and view the various paintings in the studio that aren't out at a gallery yet.

"Summer Days", 36" x 48", oil on canvas, Lydia Johnston

People love to see my studio because it gives a feeling for how and where I work. You can see work that is experimental as well as pieces that are not yet finished.

So mark your calendars for Saturday, June 26th, and come participate in the House Tour in Pownal to learn more about energy and home designs.

If you would like more information about my Open Studio Tour, feel free to email me at: art@lydiajohnston.com or call 802-823-7713.
For further questions about the Pownal House Tour, please call 802-823-5328.

Lenox Art Walk on Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-23T13:35:00.009-04:00

"Flowering Meadow", 18" x 24", oil on canvas, Lydia Johnston

This Memorial Day Weekend I will be participating once again in the Lenox Spring Art Walk. The art walk will be held both Saturday and Sunday, May 29th and 30th, from 11 am to 5 pm each day. There will be demonstrations and opportunities to meet with artists.

"Dreaming of Flowers I", 8" x 9", oil on linen

I will be outside the Lenox Gallery of Fine Art at 69 Church Street on both days. During the art walk I will be displaying some of my smaller paintings, not regularly shown in the gallery, as well as giclée reproductions of some of my favorites. Please stop by and say hello, and then step into the gallery to see my newest large works.

New Paintings Delivered to Lenox Gallery

2010-05-18T11:28:00.000-04:00

"Sun Gems", 30" x 40", oil on canvas, Lydia Johnston

The Memorial Day Artwalk in Lenox, MA is fast approaching, coming up May 29th and 30th. I just delivered three newly completed pieces in my gem series of meadow paintings to the Lenox Gallery of Fine Art, in preparation for the artwalk.

"Morning Bluebells", 24" x 30", oil on linen

Each of the "Gem" series is a close up view of a meadow in bloom, but each has a different color range evoking a different mood.

"Sunlit Gems", 30" x 40", oil on canvas

There are now nine of my "Gem" series at the Lenox Gallery, so stop by and see them all.

"Sky Sonatas"

2010-04-26T12:20:00.007-04:00

"Sky Sonata XXIV", 10" x 10", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

I just hung "Sky Sonatas", an exhibit of twenty-eight of my new sky paintings, in Spiral Press Café at Northshire Bookstore, Manchester, VT. Nine are mid to large paintings, and the rest smaller ones.

“I want my paintings to have mystery, to allude to the familiar while remaining wholly ambiguous. I'm not interested in supplying all the details of a specific place. I want there to be more than one interpretation. By hinting at things, I hope to trigger your imagination; I want you, the viewer, to bring some of your own experiences and recollections to the process. This collaboration allows you to connect in a profound way. I want you to sink into my art and be transported.”

"Sky Sonata XV", 10" x 13", oil on linen

Many of the new small oil paintings hanging in the exhibit are not yet up on my website, so I put together a page that shows all of these paintings. Just click HERE to see all twenty-eight paintings in the show. They will be hanging until June 2nd.

"Morning Bluebells"

2010-04-10T09:58:00.003-04:00

"Morning Bluebells", 24" x 30", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

I've just completed another piece in my gem series of meadow paintings. I love it in the early morning, mist hanging in the meadow, before the sun burns it off.

"Liquid Sunshine"

2010-03-30T13:45:00.004-04:00

"Liquid Sunshine", 30" x 40", oil on canvas, Lydia Johnston

On my painting trip to California in February, I stayed with Judith Anton, an artist friend, and her husband Kei Akagi, a superb jazz pianist. I loved painting to Kei's recent CD, "Liquid Blue", letting the music flow through me and energize the process.

When I returned home to my studio, I immersed myself in this large up-close meadow piece, the rhythms of "Liquid Blue" infusing me with an energy that went right into the patterns and movement in the painting, strings of color harmonizing with each other.

Think Spring

2010-03-24T10:08:00.006-04:00

"Spring Gems", 30" x 40", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

After a glorious week of early spring weather, I awoke to a new covering of snow. At least it gives me snow light in my studio. I am fully immersed in a number of new large meadow paintings.

"Hidden Path", 24" x 30", oil on canvas

Last week I delivered these four new meadow paintings to the Lenox Gallery of Fine Art.

"Spring Sun", 30" x 30", oil on linen

If you have a chance, stop in to the gallery to see the paintings. The originals have such vibrant colors compared to the online images.

"Summer Grasses", 30" x 40", oil on canvas

Bennington, VT Art Exhibit, 100 for $100

2010-03-11T15:38:00.009-05:00

"Summer Sonata", 7" x 8", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

The second annual "One Hundred for $100" Art Exhibit and Sale will be taking place in downtown Bennington, VT this coming Friday, March 19th, and Saturday March 20th, 2010. The event will be held in the 210 South Street Building, Bennington, VT. The exhibit is from 6-9pm Friday evening and 10-2pm on Saturday. The event is free and open to the public.

One hundred works of original art by local and regional artists will be exhibited and offered for sale. All 100 pieces of art will be priced at just $100. There will be paintings, mixed media, jewelry, photography, sculpture, pottery, fiber arts, and more.

"Sky Sonata XXIII", 7" x 8", oil on linen

I will have four small original oil paintings in the exhibit, all from my ongoing "Sky Sonata" series.

A special feature this year will be an exclusive preview of the exhibit from 5-6pm with champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and live smooth jazz by Blueprint. Tickets for the preview event are $15/person at the door or $12 in advance. Tickets are available in advance at the Downtown Welcome Center.

"Sky Sonata III", 6.5" x 9", oil on linen

At 6pm the doors will open to the public, admission is free, and the artwork will be available for sale. Come enjoy an evening of live entertainment, appetizers, cash bar, and purchase one of the 100 beautiful pieces of art that were jury selected from over 350 entries. Meet with the artists and learn about their techniques and inspirations.

On Saturday, the doors open again from 10-2pm, your final opportunity to find that perfect piece of art for only $100, a price you won’t find in galleries or stores. The proceeds of the event benefit the non-profit Better Bennington Corporation.

"Sky Sonata XIX", 7" x 8", oil on linen

210 South Street is located on the corner of South St. and Hillside St.(directly across from Friendly's Restaurant). There is plenty of parking in the rear of the building and the exhibit is handicap accessible with an elevator located in the glass atrium at the front of the building.

For more information please call the Better Bennington Corporation at 802-442-5758 or visit Better Bennington Corporation.

Dreaming of Summer

2010-02-06T10:21:00.002-05:00

About this time in February, winter definitely starts to drag on. We are back in the deep freeze and yet there is barely even any snow left on the ground. So I immerse myself in thoughts of warmer months to come and start painting in my meadow series.

"Summer Grasses", 30" x 40", oil on canvas, Lydia Johnston

I am dreaming of summer, lush grasses growing alongside a stream, a warm breeze gently blowing. A world away from what is outside my studio windows.

The Allure of Ambiguity

2010-01-02T14:36:00.007-05:00

I want my paintings to have mystery, to allude to the familiar while remaining wholly ambiguous. I'm not interested in supplying all the details of a specific place. I want there to be more than one interpretation.

"December Light", 18" x 24", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

By hinting at things, I hope to trigger the viewer's imagination, I want the viewer to bring some of his own experiences and recollections to the process. This collaboration allows the viewer to connect in a profound way. It allows the viewer to sink into the scene and be transported.

"Warm Glow"

2009-11-14T11:16:00.004-05:00

"Warm Glow", 18" x 24", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

Bask in the warm glow of light spreading over the fields and glinting on the treetops towards the end of the day. On this rainy Saturday, I look at this painting and I can feel the sunshine.

Color in the Air

2009-10-30T11:32:00.005-04:00

"Sky Sonata VII", 16" x 16", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

Not the most spectacular fall colors this year, but I always love the change. It's a magical time when the air is infused with color. I soak it up before the drabness of winter sets in.

16" x 16", oil on linen

Sky Sonatas

2009-10-01T10:03:00.005-04:00

"Sky Sonata X", 10" x 10", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

Three new Sky Sonatas. I continue to find satisfaction painting these small pieces. I usually begin them late in the day. I hate to waste paint, and there are always small amounts of leftover mixes after finishing up a large painting.

"Sky Sonata VIII", 10" x 10", oil on linen

So I grab a 10" x 10" piece of linen, and start to play, play with different color combinations, play with different design elements. There is a freedom and joy working on these small paintings.

"Sky Sonata IX", 10" x 10", oil on linen

Sky Paintings Delivered to AZ Fine Art

2009-09-14T09:23:00.011-04:00

I just delivered seven of my new series of sky paintings to AZ Fine Arts, located in Wellesley Hills, MA, about a half hour west of Boston.

"Through the Dunes", 24" x 24", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

Two are mid-sized paintings,

"Evening Light", 18" x 24", oil on linen

and five are small ones.

"Big Sky I", 11" x 8", oil on linen

Two vertical pieces,

"Big Sky II", 12" x 9", oil on linen

and three in a square format from my new "Sky Sonata" series.

"Sky Sonata I", 10" x 10", oil on linen

"Sky Sonata IV", 10" x 10", oil on linen

"Sky Sonata V", 10' x 10", oil on linen

How Long Does it Takes

2009-08-16T09:08:00.002-04:00

As an artist, I am often asked how long it takes to paint a piece. I don’t think people realize how hard this is to answer. This question implies that the more time put in equals greater value, something I don’t believe. The hours actually applying paint is only a small part of what it takes to complete a painting. Some artists will answer “a lifetime” when asked.

"Evening Light", 18" x 24", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

Creativity is a process that needs space and time. All of our life experiences do filter into the process. A lot of the process is internal, and that doesn’t take place in the studio while painting. I often find the night a very productive time for processing ideas, as well as when I am out being physically active. So a lot of time goes into a painting that isn’t time actually applying paint.

And then there is the question of quality. You may spend many more hours on a particular piece, but that additional time doesn’t guarantee a better end product. Sometimes a masterpiece comes together very quickly; other pieces need to be reworked and reworked and reworked. That extra time put in should in no way increase the value of a piece of fine art. The value of a piece of fine art should be based on the impact it has on you, the viewer, not by the hours spent brushing on the canvas.

The Silver Lining

2009-08-04T09:00:00.002-04:00

"Sky Sonata IV", 10" x 10", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

What a productive time I have had for the past three weeks. Once I was able to get back to my studio, I have been having the most fantastic time, that's the silver lining to the accident and not being able to paint for four weeks. Obviously all kinds of ideas were percolating in me during that time of healing. Everything coalesced, and I feel like I have been turning out my best paintings ever.

I have been working at a manic rate, in part as a response after my forced leave and partly because Tom, my partner has been out of town. There have been no distractions, just me and my painting. Now it’s time for me to slow down and catch my breath. I seem to be back to my old pace. Slowly working through a new painting, Applying the first layer, processing it, continuing a few days later once the first layer is dry. I miss the euphoria of the first few days back in my studio, but I knew I couldn’t sustain that pace. Coming up with new ideas and processing them takes time.

"Through the Dunes"

2009-07-26T11:54:00.003-04:00

"Through the Dunes", 24" x 24", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

What a perfect summer's day we just had. Upper 70˚s, sunny, light breezes. Here I am in the Green Mountains of Vermont, surrounded by all shades of green, and I'm dreaming of the ocean.

New paintings to Lenox Gallery of Fine Art

2009-07-23T20:36:00.005-04:00

"Meadow Treasures", 24" x 30", oil on canvas, Lydia Johnston

Today I delivered two new paintings to the Lenox Gallery of Fine Art in Lenox, MA. "Meadow Treasures" is the last of my gem series of meadow paintings, for now. And "Awakening" is my newest large painting in a series of big sky paintings I am working on.

"Awakening", 30" x 40", oil on canvas

Creativity

2009-07-23T10:01:00.006-04:00

"Awakening", 30" x 40", oil on canvas, Lydia Johnston

Create: to produce through artistic or imaginative effort

This has been an exciting time for me. I may have been out for four weeks, but now I have emerged bursting with ideas, and am turning out some of my best paintings.

I find it interesting that the definition for "create" speaks of artistic or imaginative "effort". During the first two weeks after my bicycle accident, there was no way I could even consider painting in my studio. I had no energy for anything but the healing process.

Creating takes a certain mind set, it does require "effort". As I began to be up and about, I could make myself do certain tasks, I could read, but there was no way I could make myself create. It's a little frightening to lose that ability when it is normally what you do on a daily basis.

By the fourth week I was able to finally return to my studio. And what a time I have been having. It's as though all kinds of ideas had been incubating while I was healing. The creativity is pouring out of me.

The first uninterrupted day, I painted a full 30" x 40" sky-scape, and except for one minor adjustment, it was all completed in a number of hours. I was completely drained by the end of that day, but exhilarated as well. And the following day I completed another small sky-scape.

I know I cannot sustain this level of output. Normally I hope to complete a painting in a week, and more likely it takes two or more weeks, with sustained effort. So I will revel in this flow of ideas and creativity.

Painting Skies

2009-07-19T10:04:00.005-04:00

12" x 9", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston

Some people may disagree, but I have been loving the weather here in southern Vermont this summer. Cool temperatures, imagine 60's and 70's throughout June and July. Only now, by the third week in July, are we creeping up to the 80's. Chill evenings when a blanket is needed. Almost no humidity, so the air feels crisp and the mountains and ridges are clear.

And the ever changing skies, sun shining and then clouds building, the sky getting dark, and darker, and suddenly it's raining. Yes, we've had a lot of rain. But most days, before you know it, the sun is breaking out again, the clouds are scudding across the sky. I love it. The ever changing pattern and movement in our skies. And so I am focused on painting big skies.