Talya Johnson

Joined Artfinder: Dec. 2014

Artworks for sale: 61

(12)

United States

Updates from Talya Johnson's studio

  • Portrait painting video

    A three minute video sped up video of a two-hour portrait oil painting session by PDX artist Talya Johnson. The video was shot at my BFA studio at Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). As part of my thesis project for my BFA as a teach out student of now closed Oregon College of Art and Craft (OCAC), I am painting two-hour oil portraits from life of OCAC community members.

    06 February 2020
    Intimate Impressions

    Intimate Impressions

    I had the privilege of visiting the Seattle Art Museum recently, to see the Intimate Impressions exhibit. Part of being a painter is studying the works of painters gone before me. Seeing the works of Pissarro, van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir were particular highlights. Once again Renoir's skill of depicting domestic scenes and informal portraits resonated deeply within me. The visit really fueled me, to once again, focus on paintings that matter to me and search for the beauty in every-day life.

    28 October 2015
    Painting at the Rose Garden

    Painting at the Rose Garden

    Our warm weather is holding fast. So I was delighted for find a nice little canopy to paint under at the International Rose Test garden last week. Sometime part of being a painter is learning what NOT to paint. The garden itself is so full of overwhelming color and detail, that I chose instead to focus my efforts on one rose bush.

    09 June 2015
    Spring Painting

    Spring Painting

    While the Northeast has tried to unbury themselves from all the their snow storms, the Pacific Northwest has also had inclement weather. This unusual warm, dry spring has been an artist's dream come true. This photo was taken March 1, 2015. Can you even believe how beautiful this scene is??!!

    18 March 2015
    My Relationship with Color!

    My Relationship with Color!

    I often tell my fans that I bleed onto my canvases. What I mean is that I put a lot of heart into each painting. I feel that that each painting emotes my life-giving-blood, sweat, tears, triumphs, and joys. But my canvases have also been known to bleed on ME! In fact, most of my painting buddies give me plenty of space while we paint together. I always end up with paint all over myself, my equipment, and anyone who dares come close to me. When visiting an artist studio recently, some ultramarine blue magically appeared on my sweater. Not on the artist painting...but on me, the visitor. It truly feels like my canvas bleeds onto me. So the relationship is completely mutual. This photo is a good example of what my hands look like while I'm painting.

    11 January 2015

    Introduction to my Patreon page, and a peek at my current studio (i.e. dining room)

    This video is an introduction to Talya Johnson (Tali) Patreon page! This page a a great place to keep a finger on my art pulse. I talk about what I'm up to, give links to new tutorial videos, and basically give you a behind-the-scenes view of a life of an aspiring artist. http://patreon.com/tali

    11 January 2015

    Talya Johnson at the Painted Ladies Plein Air in the Garden

    The Painted Ladies Plein air in the Garden is one of my more memorable projects. Every Friday, we would set up a tent on the grounds of the Palmer Museum and Visitor's center. We displayed our work and encouraged the public to join us painting in the museum's gorgeous gardens. This venture connected us with many local artists. We made many friends. I remember several people in particular that at first, would come to visit us. Then the next weeks bring their color pencils. They slowly because more and more comfortable creating in public, and some have continued creating every since! Isn't that just amazing?! To be a part of someone's art journey is an exciting honor that I will always cherish. Karen Whitworth caught me on camera trying to finish up a plein air painting from our previous painting excursion.

    11 January 2015
    Plein air painting at Eklutna Flats, Alaska

    Plein air painting at Eklutna Flats, Alaska

    I first began plein air painting in the early summer during the wildflower blooming season in Eklutna Flats. I was prompted to do so out of frustration that my camera was not able to capture the essence and feel and color of being in the place. Painting on location proved quite challenging. The light changes constantly making speed imperative. The weather can turn without notice. Passers bye inevitably stop and comment, many feel free to critique the unfinished paintings. They ask questions, "Is this you real job?" "Would you paint me a picture?" They tell me of their aunt/daughter/grandfather who also paints. Choosing the right supplies and schlepping around the gear is an art in and of itself. And in Alaska, there is dangerous wildlife to consider. Somehow, I have grown to love plein air painting. There is no experience like painting in open air chasing the light, stretching my abilities, and meeting new friends.

    11 January 2015
    Painting at Roozen Gaarde, Mt. Vernon WA

    Painting at Roozen Gaarde, Mt. Vernon WA

    I try not to be to rigid in my composition ideas when I am out on the field. Sneaking up on a painting by applying abstract shapes and scribbles enables me to access the more creative subconscious while not locking me into painting exactly what I'm seeing, rather the essence of the place and moment. The photo was taken of me painting during the 2014 Tulip festival at Roozen Gaarde, in Mt. Vernon, Washington.

    09 January 2015