Johansen Newman

Palmettos Don't Scare Maurie, Original Painting

2022

Artist Comments
Artist Johansen Newman paints four women celebrating Dia de Los Muertos, a tribute to the festive Mexican holiday. "On this day, ...

Artist Comments
Artist Johansen Newman displays an image of a tattooed woman sitting alone in a tavern surrounded by men. "There's a lot written ...

Artist Comments
Artist Johansen Newman paints a military man displaying the symbols of his many accomplishments and acts of courage. Aglow with ribb...

Artist Comments
Artist Lee Smith presents a fun-loving family playing ball in a sunny park. Their laughter and animated gestures resonate with the carefree spirit of the moment...

Artist Comments
Artist Johansen Newman displays a detailed portrait of a woman carrying a potted plant. Birds sit on the branches and planter as ...

Artist Comments
Artist Johansen Newman paints a detailed portrait of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. She bases the piece's title on Frida's diary, where she often recorded thoughts about their life together. "I took the words literally by painting Diego only in shades of black and white while rendering Frida in full color," says Johansen. Frida's vibrant clothing and jewelry sharply contrast Diego's limited palette.The painting comes with a handmade, embellished wood assemblage frame painted black.

About the Artist
Artist Johansen Newman captures various characters through charming scenes that often weave nostalgia. A reflection of her fondness for edge and funk prevails in her dynamic portrayal of humans with animals and objects of their affection. As a toddler, her mother gave her crayons and allowed her to draw on the walls of her room. She pursued a degree in painting and printmaking, then furthered her education by studying with Bil Baird at his puppet theater in New York, ultimately forming her puppet troupe. Years of crafting puppets, designing scenery, writing stories, and performing shows developed her arsenal of skills—going on to be an award-winning fiber artist exhibiting throughout North America. She integrates these learnings into her current art practice. "My paintings capture fragments of a tale in a time and place that was, is, or has the promise to become," says Johansen. She works at her studio and display gallery at Gorse Mill Studios, a 19th Century textile mill building in Needham, MA. Her woodworking shop doubles as her home studio, where she constantly evolves her compositions to satisfy her aesthetic. Johansen's work has been featured on the cover of local publications, in pictorial essays, and toured museums across the United States. She was a professional and published illustrator for more than 35 years, including two dozen children's books, three of which she also wrote. Besides creating art, she finds herself an enthusiast of vintage collectibles, jukeboxes, signages, tin toys, neon lights, cookie jars, carnival chalkware...