Lee Johnson is a native of Northern Minnesota where wildlife surrounded him. Raised on
a farm where Johnson, his father and four brothers were very active in hunting and fishing.
His small hometown is far from heavily populated areas, so the wildlife of this region live
in comparative ease on open land and local farms.
Many farms had at least a few heavily
wooded acres where a variety of animals would find a cozy place to call home.
Even the wolves, which could be a real threat to small livestock, are a fascination for
Johnson and for many wildlife art collectors who have selected his paintings. Johnson has observed the cycle of life from
birth to maturity of many of the North America creatures. His respect and concern for the
wellbeing of wildlife makes him a strong advocate for thoughtful conservation.
Johnson often places two or more critters in his work in an effort to bring to
the viewer the interaction that takes place between the creatures in their own
environment. Lee is renowned for the photo-reality of his paintings, which makes each
work of art come alive. He also enjoys giving his paintings a fun name.
Now a retired general contractor, Johnson practiced his trade in his home state of
Minnesota and in Alaska, Texas and Washington. Special artwork can be
seen integrated into a number of custom homes. The special touches have included such
artwork as a sandblasted scene on glass paneling and mirrors, stained glass windows, a
painted fairytale scene in a child’s room, or a mural on a dining room wall.
Several pieces have been commissioned for indoor viewing and larger works for outdoor
display.
Johnson has studied with such renowned Pacific Northwest Artists as Karen Lucas,
Artist/ Instructor, Ron Lucas, Photographer/ Imagery by Ron Lucas, and Terry Isaac’s,
Artist/ Instructor. Johnson has participated in many art shows, festivals and auctions in Texas, Minnesota,
Alaska, and Western Washington. Johnson’s artwork has been presented and acknowledged
in such prestigious programs as the Washington State Duck Stamp Competition and the
Federal Duck Stamp Awards program. Johnson is self-published, specializing in North American wildlife painted in oil.
You can see Lee Johnson's work at
Lucas
Art & Frame in Graham, Washington.
