Geoffrey Johnson says he’s somewhat lost in the creative process as of late. And for us, that means new paintings to explore in the artist’s signature impressionist renderings of city scenes, moody interiors, shadowy figures and muted color palettes. 
Lexington Avenue, oil on panel, 36 x 36"This May, a solo show for the artist is being held at Principle Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia. Sierra Koker, Principle Gallery assistant, reflects on the ways in which Johnson takes familiar cities like New York and Paris and invites viewers to experience those places with fresh eyes. “The shadowed silhouettes that float about his scenes speak to the anonymity of magnetic places, as well the similarity of people. Juxtaposing this, his minimalistic and painterly hand brings warmth and character to a white sky, energy and brilliance to a dark building and a sweet harmony to city life,” she says.
Untitled 136, oil on board, 36 x 24"
Untitled 127, oil on panel, 40 x 30"
Johnson’s urban scene Untitled 136 features a beautiful palette of pinks, creams and purples, punctuated by dark figures meandering throughout the composition. This palette, he says, “mainly comes about from thinking about how sunlight creates different colors on surfaces and in reflections. Sometimes those colors are exaggerated, which I prefer, and often the colors are just the ones that I like—the ones that appeal to me. Those colors also come from a book jacket in my studio, or a paint color on a wall in a magazine or a friend’s home, anywhere. As far as my work as a whole, I simply use colors I like or whatever I’m interested in at the time.”
42nd and 3rd, oil on panel, 36 x 24"
Empire State Evening III, oil on board, 20 x 16"
The painting 42nd and 3rd captures the warm glow of a city as the street lamps begin to flicker on at the approach of dusk, while Empire State Evening III transitions fully to nighttime. Each of Johnson’s paintings—whether scenes in broad daylight or the moodiness of the oncoming night—evoke a sense of repose in a world that otherwise feels quite loud.
Untitled 139, oil on canvas, 36 x 36"The exhibition will have an opening reception on Friday, May 19, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and continues through June 5.
“My hope is just that people will find my work enjoyable in whatever capacity they see it,” Johnson says. “If I can accomplish that and continue to create paintings with life, I can’t ask for any more.” —
Principle Gallery 208 King Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 • (703) 739-9326 • www.principlegallery.com
Powered by Froala Editor
