PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION IS HOW WE LEARN TO REALLY SEE AND MAKE CONTEXT OF THE WORLD (Suggested for Stage Five; Flow)
Mitchell Johnson’s paintings are driven by color and shape and seem to effortlessly walk the line between representational and abstract. Based in the Silicon Valley he also spends much of his time painting in Europe, where he finds inspiration for local color. He has been painting full time for over 30 years and his paintings can be found in over 700 collections.
In this interview, Nicholas and Mitchell dive deep into what Mitchell is after in his work. It is a fascinating look at an artist’s perspective, insight, inspiration and practice. Treat yourself to spending time with this very thoughtful, sensitive and talented artist.
In this interview, Mitchell shares:
-How the inspiration from the color palette of his plein air paintings, evolved his work from representational to abstract
-How a slogan on the studio wall of Parsons School of Design (Clarity and Surprise) still resonates and inspires his work today
-When you get better and better at looking at things you ultimately unwind what you know and how you make sense of the world
-How one painting can lead to something in another painting that you might not have thought of before
-That dedicated studio time is essential for really engaging with the work on a deeper level
-Be in love with what you’re doing and you’ll find a way to make it work because it matters to you.