Judith Johnson Art

Walking back from painting in Sabino Creek, I noticed a wash that looked interesting. I walked in a ways and spotted a cholla cactus that looked like a Christmas ornament decorating the desert. I said to my painting buddy, we have to come back and paint here. So we invited some other painters and we spent a lovely afternoon painting in this wash.   Sonoran Desert Christmas ornament 10" x 8" oil on canvas panel available

I went back to Sweetwater Wetlands a few more times in 2020.  It is such a peaceful place to paint and I love listening to the chatter of the birds and ducks. Sweetwater reeds-coot hideout 9" x 12" oil on canvas panel  Sweetwater reeds- secluded pond 12" x 9" oil on canvas panel

The trees in Sabino Creek are just beginning to show their winter colors.  Spent late morning painting there with my friend. The weather was perfect. Cool, sunny and clear air.  I love Sabino Canyon !! Sabino Creek Study 9" x 12" oil on canvas panel Available

 The Sonoran Plein Air Painters met at San Xavier del Bac Mission outside of Tucson, Arizona.  The mission is located within the Tohono O'odaham Nation. It is a National Historic landmark and was founded as a Catholic mission by Fater Eusebio Kino in 1692.  It is still an active Catholic church. San Xavier study 9" x 12" oil on canvas panel

 T he Sonoran Plein Air Painters are painting at Sweetwater Wetlands Park on Wednesday mornings for a few weeks.  Besides being a favorite spot for birdwatchers, the scenery has many different and unique views. Sweetwater study- day 1 12" x 9" oil on canvas panel available Sweetwater study- day 2 6" x 12" oil on canvas panel available

 My favorite time to paint in Sabino Canyon is the early morning when the sum peeks over the mountains. Inner reflections 10" x 20" oil on linen panel

 Back in Tucson I have been studying Saguaro Cactii at differnet locations in the morning.  Honey Bee canyon morning study 10" x 8" oil on linen panel Sabino morning study 10" x 8" oil on linen panel First light  16" x 20" oil on canvas panel

Here are a few of the Plein Air studies I did this summer in Michigan Pond study 8" x 16" oil on linen panel Pond Reflection study 8" x 16" oil on linen panel Golden Rod Study 8" 16" oil on linen panel  

 I was invited to show three paintings in the Untitled Gallery Online Show  “Art as Resilience, Resistance & Respite” They are now opening their gallery for limited hours beginning October 3, 2020.  I was invited to exhibit one of my online paintings at the gallery. This painting “ Quiet Time” is available online and on view at the Untitled Gallery soon. Quiet Time 8” x 16” oil on linen panel $300 The following paintings are  currently available online. “Dusk at Kings Canyon” 24” x 48” oil on canvas $800 “Sweetwater Preserve” 30” x 40” oil on canvas $1200

 Toscana Gallery in Oro Valley, Arizona has reopened their gallery with limited hours and a new show “Under Quarantine” featuring works of art created during the quarantine. My contribution is a studio piece  I painted from a small study I did at Honeybee Canyon in March. Dawn at Honeybee Canyon 48” x 24” oil on canvas $1200

 I spent a few afternoons painting with an old friend at a pond near my house.  I painted two very quick studies  and spent a lot of time just catching up on our lives. Quick study 12” x 9” oil on linen panel Quick study 12” x 9” oil on linen panel

Michigan has a wide variety of pine trees.  I spent some time doing some small studies of my favorite trees. I love the variations of green. Hemlock  12” x 6” oil on linen Pine tree at Suzi’s 12” x 6” oil on linen panel White Pine 12” x 16” oil on linen panel  

 I started this painting last summer in Michigan, intrigued by the bright greens and deep shadows. While I was paintings a flock of Turkeys came out of the woods, I quickly blocked them in and snapped a few photos. Finally finished the highlights when I returned this summer.

This painting is off to a new home in Portland, Oregon. So honored to have my work on display at this great home!! Evening at Kings Canyon version 3 12" x 24" oil on gessobord

During the 100 degree days, I have been painting in my studio. I use studies from previous outings as inspiration for larger canvases. This is from an afternoon study at DeGrazia Gallery. Afternoon at Teds 28" x 22" oil on canvas Available

On hot days I work in my studio. I use my Plein Air studies as inspiration to paint larger pieces. Hiking at Dawn- Honeybee Canyon 48" x 24" Available

I'm really not an early riser, but during the hot summer months I meet my fellow painters at dawn. We still meet, wear masks and paint more than six feet apart. Pima Canyon at dawn is worth getting up early for !! Pima Canyon 7:30 AM Day 1 8" x 10" oil on linen panel Another view of Pima Canyon  6:45 Day 2 8" x 10" oil on linen panel

There is a period of time in Tucson that it seems like the world turns yellow. The many varieties of  Palo Verde trees bloom at different times giving us a couple of weeks of beautiful shades of Yellow. Tucson Spring 8" x 16" oil on linen panel Mailbox series- looking southeast 8" x 16" oil on linen panel

As I continue to paint from my mailbox in the early morning, I not only get the cool air but conversation at a distance with my neighbors on their morning walks. Happy to report everyone is doing well!! Looking West from my mailbox, there seems to always be a bird on this Saguaro 8" x 10" oil on linen panel Looking Northwest from my mailbox, Finger Rock catches the morning light. 10" x 8" oil on linen panel

So pleased that this painting went to a new home in California !! Morning Coffee 24" x 12" oil on gessobord

Went early one morning to Christopher Columbus Park a did a couple of small studies.  The lake looks so refreshing on a warm day. Green water 6" x 8" oil on gessobord Fishing with mom 6" x 8" oil on gessobord

Going  to remote locations has become more difficult with crowded hiking trails and social distancing so I am painting the views from my mailbox. Sometimes I tend to ignore what is familiar, so I'm looking at my views with a new "lens" Looking North 16" x 8" oil on linen panel Looking South 6" x 12"  oil on linen panel Looking Southeast 12" x 6" oil on linen panel

The Sonoran Plein Air Painters met at Kings Canyon trail head  a few weeks ago in the late afternoon. This painting sat in my studio for a while as I tried to figure out  how to handle the very dark foreground. Evening at Kings Canyon Trail Head 10" x 20" oil on linen panel

Went early one morning to Honeybee Canyon. Just a short way from the entrance I found this beautiful view. Honeybee Canyon 16" x 8" oil on linen panel

What crazy times we are living in !! One thing I have found out about myself is that I have no problem being alone. I use this time to do studio work and I can still go out and paint on location. Fortunately the weather in Arizona has been lovely. This is a studio piece I did from a study I made at Sweetwater  Wetlands Park. Not sure if its finished yet. 30" 40" oil on canvas This is the 8" x 10" study I worked from.

I am happy to announce that I have been invited to show nine of  my paintings at  RBC Wealth Management- Tucson office .   Fourteen local artists are displaying their work. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Beads of Courage charity.  The show opens April 1, 2020 and continues for six months. *descriptions of painting can be found under the CURRENT VENUES tab