The paintings of Douglas C. Johnson represent a singular vision of the beauty of Nature, and the simplicity of small town America. His landscapes and small town scenes are taken from central Illinois. The views he presents to us are those moments in time where we stop what we are doing and take a breath while we look at Nature and reflect on the elegance of a field of ripening corn, the pillows of clouds rolling across the sky, and the warmth of a sunset upon a building, putting everything in an orange glow.
Johnson's paintings harken back to works of Hopper's small towns of quietude and even Monet's cool sunrise mist. He transcends anyplace to make these scenes a place we all know, or at least we want to be familiar with them. His choice to portray singular places or fields captures our attention and lets us take time away from our busy lives to enjoy reflections on a pond, or a n old diner by the side of the road. There are numerous places Johnson has found that speak to one's soul and need for solace in Nature.
His recent "Town and Country" exhibit at the Komechak Art Gallery is a terrific group of works and they show his prowess and accomplishment of the subject. The exhibition runs October 1 through November 2, 2019.
Education
MFA, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 1992.
MS, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 1991.
BFA, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 1987.
Teaching Experience
Judson College, Elgin, Illinois. 1995-1997.
Waubonsee College, Sugar Grove, Illinois. 1993-1995.
Illinois Art Institute (Ray College of Design), Chicago, Illinois. 1992-1993.
Rockford Art Museum, Rockford, Illinois. 1992-1993.
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. 1990-1992.
Professional Memberships
Arts Alliance Illinois. Board Member- 2011 to present
College Art Association, 1990-Present
