CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Painting

This artwork was inspired by a period of time in my life when my path was widening and leading me in a new direction. It was a feeling that I was closer than I thought. My hope is that the viewer will recall a time in their life when hindsight gave them perspective and broadened their own path to happiness. Johnson begins with journaling or writing inspirational quotes on the canvas as a way to set the intention for the art. Layers of acrylic paint, glazes, graphite, mark making is followed by more and more layers. Monica Johnson uses various mediums to build up the surface, exploring spontaneous mark making and subtle forms. This is an original one-of-a-kind painting on 1.5" thick gallery wrapped canvas done in acrylic, graphite, oil pastel and charcoal. This painting is varnished with a satin UV varnish to protect from dirt and light. The edges of the canvas are light gray. The painting is framed in a natural basswood frame with the outer dimensions of 25" x 25" x 2.5". It is wired and ready to hang. Signed by the artist on the back. Monica Johnson Artist. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Monica Johnson is a contemporary abstract artist currently living in Monterey, California and with her art studio 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 could work 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.