Jill Johnson

Based in Bozeman, MT, I spent ten years designing and sewing handbags—a craft that demanded precision and control. Over time, I realized my creative spirit was craving something less exacting, something freer. When I turned to painting, it felt like a rebellion against perfection. It became a way to explore spontaneity, emotion, and expression—something my soul had been quietly seeking.

Today, I create abstract acrylic paintings through layered color and bold, gestural brushstrokes. I work intuitively, letting each layer guide the next, building depth and texture along the way. The fast-drying nature of acrylics allows me to move quickly, capturing the immediacy of the moment. Loose, expressive strokes bring energy and movement to the canvas, while grounded blocks of color create balance and structure. In every piece, I strive to convey a sense of freedom—the very essence that drew me to painting in the first place.

BS, Economics, Montana State University
MS, Counseling, Portland State University