BELOW THE SURFACE Painting

“Below The Surface” by Monica Johnson is part of her series of paintings completed during a time when wildfires surrounded the area where she lives. Line, shape, color evokes the cooling effect of water. During this time of wildfires I used painting as a way to anchor myself and searching below the surface for what was important to do for others during this tragic time. Johnson begins all her artwork by journaling or writing inspirational quotes on the canvas. Layers of acrylic paint, graphite and mark making are followed by more and more layers. Monica Johnson uses various mediums to build up the surface, exploring spontaneous mark making and subtle forms. This painting is a one-of-a-kind painting on 1.5” thick gallery-wrapped canvas done in acrylic paint, graphite, charcoal, oil pastel, and oil sticks. The painting is sealed with a satin UV varnish to protect it from dirt and light. The edges of the painting are dark blue-gray. It is framed in a natural basswood float-mount frame with the outer dimensions being 25” x 25” x 2.5”. It is wired and ready to hang. Signed by the artist on the back of the canvas. Monica Johnson Artist. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Monica Johnson is a contemporary abstract artist currently living in Monterey, California and her art studio is in Carmel, California. A native to Monterey, Johnson moved to Lawrence, Kansas at the age of five and returned "home" to Monterey in 1995. She was dental hygienist and massage therapist for 15 years where she worked as both a medical practitioner and artist. Johnson eventually traded those professions for the art studio where she could apply those qualities and life experiences to the canvas.