About the Artist
Jeff Johnson paints out of the sense of wonder he has for the world around him. His bold, impressionist paintings are known for being shot through with coursing light; drizzled with delicious and vivid color. Scenes of jaw-dropping wonder and awe captured uniquely on canvas. Jeff puts his profound amazement of creation deep into his paintings. His paintings do not brush over the difficulties and pain of life with a sappy representation of perfection, though. Instead, Jeff seeks to express his sense of wonder through a new lens of hope and future redemption for the world.
Jeff began painting as a young boy, eagerly learning acrylics and oils from professional art instructors. His joyful style of painting was recognized for its genius by pros even at an early age. He began having his works entered into art galleries at age 11, taking commissions at age 12, and having his own art show at a South Carolina gallery at age 13. At age 14 his skills landed him at the most prestigious arts school in SC for a summer where he was immersed in the world of figure drawing, ceramics, and printmaking. Proving to be a child prodigy, Jeff’s skills in art were equally matched by his musical skills. His skills in organ playing and music composition soon landed him a scholarship at the University of South Carolina where he studied music for four years. After graduation, Jeff moved from South Carolina to LA and completed a post-graduate degree in music composition at UCLA.
Post graduation, Jeff entered the music industry as a composer for film and TV. The time and energy required to be a composer in Hollywood kept Jeff so busy that he couldn’t paint except on occasion. At the same time, various chronic, uncontrollable health issues that had plagued Jeff for 6 years prior began to set in and threaten Jeff’s ability to produce music or even do any sort of physical activity. Kept bed-ridden many days by chronic pain, it appeared that Jeff’s career in music, let alone his career in art, was toast.
After years of unsuccessful treatment, unhelpful doctors, and hopeless diagnosis, in 2020 Jeff was able to get the right help for his health, which allowed him to pursue his career in music once again. He also started painting again as part of his healing process. During 2020 Jeff gave himself the goal of producing one painting per week. This goal caused Jeff to produce a massive portfolio of work in a short time. As a result, in October of 2020, Jeff launched his art business, Art by Jeff Co. A product of hardship and joy, Jeff loves producing inspiring art for the world. He looks to inspire others to prioritize their health, behold the amazing world around them, and to pursue their God-given passions.
Here are some of Jeff’s personal thoughts on some frequently asked questions!
How did you get into painting?
My art career began in kindergarten, where I got in trouble for painting both sides of my paper and laying it down on the brand new hallway floor so that my masterpiece was replicated on the brand new tile. I’ve always loved the thick gooey consistency of paint, and the kinesthetic experience of painting. In first grade, my parents signed me up for art lessons with Linda Cancel, and I learned under her for most of my childhood years.
What is your style of painting called?
I paint in a style called Refined Impressionism. I use quick brush strokes loaded with globs of paint, and strike it on to the canvas. For me its like a dance, and there is a give and take between creating the painting, but also letting the painting tell me visually where it needs to go.
How do you balance being a visual artist and a composer?
I usually try to work on just one subject at a time. I’ll work on just my musical projects for a week, and the next week I’ll work on painting. It is easy to get overwhelmed so I take things one step at a time!
What has been the hardest part about being an artist?
For me, the hardest part of being an artist and a musician was the pushback I got from people. “Get a real job.” “Art is not sustainable.” “Do you plan on making any money with that?” - These were just a few of the lovely phrases I heard from folks when I told them I was pursuing a career in the arts. Hearing these discouraging phrases for years caused a war within my own conscious where I started to genuinely believe that pursuing a career in the arts was wrong, even though my passion was to be an artist. So what did I do? I gave in to the peanut gallery and quit art and music. I got a “real job” at a marketing company in LA. I hated it so bad that I quit after a day. The next day I got a different marketing job and hated it; so I quit again after a day. (Marketing friends, I value your work - it just wasn’t for me.) Through the help of some special people who knew me best, and with the encouragement of my lovely girlfriend Anna, I returned to work again as an artist and composer. I make it sound like it happened so quick, but it was actually a long, slow process of recovery to allowing myself to create again and not feel shame for it.
Who is your favorite artist?
I’ve always loved Van Gogh’s work for its boldness, Monet’s for its exquisite variations of color. Michelangelo’s for its everything.
Where do you get your prints made?
I work with two fantastic print shops here in LA. I work with Bijan over at Harmony Color. I also work with the folks over at POVevolving in downtown Los Angeles. Both do exquisite work! For prints, visit my Print Shop!
