Skip to main content

Ynez Johnston Art

American, 1920-2019
Frances Ynez Johnston (May 12, 1920 – 2019) was an American painter, sculptor, printmaker and educator. Her artwork is modernist and abstract with a narrative of imaginative lands or creatures, and often featuring collage. Johnston was born on May 12, 1920, in Berkeley, California. She attended University of California, Berkeley to study with Worth Ryder and received her bachelor of fine arts in 1941. She traveled to Mexico in the early 1940s to continue her studies, returning to Berkeley in 1943, earning her Masters of Fine Arts in 1946. In 1960 she married novelist and poet John Berry. In the years following she produced prints through the Tamarind Lithography Workshop. Johnston started teaching art classes at various universities and colleges in 1950 and ended teaching in 1980.[8] She began at University of California, Berkeley (1950–1951) and then continued her teaching career at Colorado Springs Fine Art Center (1954–1955), Chouinard Art Institute (1956), California State College (1966–1967, 1969, 1973), the University of Jerusalem (1967), and Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design (1978–1980). Her work is featured in various permanent collections including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Spencer Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art, Fullerton College, the McNay Art Museum, the University of Michigan Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and others. Johnston was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1952 for fine art, which allowed her travel to Italy. In 1955–1956 she was awarded the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation grant for painting and printmaking, and was awarded the National Endowment for the Art (NEA) grant in 1976 and 1986. In addition to her intricate prints and paintings, Johnston also created three dimensional pieces in collaboration with her husband and with ceramic sculptor Adam Mekler. Her watercolors, oils and etchings of the 1950s and 1960s were rich with complex imagery, and displayed a disciplined, restrained use of color. In later mixed-media pieces, she examined the tactile qualities of surface. Her paintings incorporated soil, acrylic, dyes, encaustic on cloth, canvas, and raw silk. Composite forms suggest ambiguous architectural, human, animal and plant shapes. Johnston cited Persian and Indian miniatures as influences but also drew inspiration from European abstract artists Matisse, Miro, Klee and Picasso. Ynez Johnston died in 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
to
1
7
7
5
3
2
1
1
1985 Original Abstract Watercolor Painting – Monochrome Black & White Modern Art
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Denver, CO
This captivating 1985 abstract painting by Colorado Springs artist Ynez Johnston masterfully combines watercolor and gouache on paper, creating a striking monochrome composition. Fea...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache

UNTITLED
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Portland, ME
Johnston, Ynez. UNTITLED. Etching, not dated (but likely 1950s). Edition of 20, signed in pencil and numbered 4/20. 6 7/8 x 9 inches (plate), 8 x 10 5/8 inches (sheet). In excellent ...
Category

1950s Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching

"HUNTING SCENE II" Lithograph by Ynez Johnston
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Pasadena, CA
"Hunting Scene II," a lithograph by American artist Ynez Johnston created in 1964, is part of a series published by the International Graphic Arts Society (IGAS) in September 1965. L...
Category

1960s Modern Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Paper

DYNASTIC SCENE
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Portland, ME
Johnston, Ynez (American, 1920-2019). DYNASTIC SCENE. Colored etching, not dated. Edition of 50, numbered, titled, and signed in pencil. 11 3/4 x 8 5/8 inches (Plate), 16 1/2 x 12 3/...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching

'Tribal Coast', Expressionist Woman artist, Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'Ynez Johnston' (American, b. 1920) and dated 1964; additionally inscribed 'imp' lower right, titled lower center 'Tribal Coast' with number and limitation, 198/210', lower left. Framed Dimensions: 21.25 H x 26.5 W x 1.5 D Inches Born in Berkeley, California, Johnston first studied drafting, painting and printmaking at the University of California with Worth Ryder, Erle Loran and Margaret Peterson...
Category

1960s Modern Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Paper, Engraving

"Desert Figures" Mixed Media by Ynez Johnston '1920-2019'
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This unique work in mixed media is by Ynez Johnston. Amidst a pale of grays, greens and blue, Johnston intricately created this piece with different textures, drawings and etchings. Using plumbers putty to imply a topographical effect, her etchings and drawings can be seen in a plethora of different textures. The piece has been custom framed in a 3" frame. This unique piece can easily stand alone our join an existing art collection. "Ynez Johnston was born in 1920 in Berkeley, California. She attended the University of California, Berkeley where she studied drafting, painting and printmaking with Worth Ryder, Erle Loran and Margaret Peterson...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Paint

Ynez Johnston Acrylic on Canvas, 1993 - "White Island"
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Ynez Johnston (1820 - 2019). Original Acrylic on Canvas, created 1993. Titled: “White Island.” Signed, dated and titled on the verso. The painting measures 24"h x 18"w. The frame ...
Category

Late 20th Century Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Acrylic

Related Items
Margaret Ash Abstract, 1950s Mixed Media Painting
Located in San Diego, CA
Abstract mixed media painting on panel titled "Pacific #2" by Margaret Ash, circa 1950s. Retains label from Esther Bear Gallery in Santa Barbara, California.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ynez Johnston Art

Movement, Abstract Expressionist Etching by Robert Savoie
By Robert Savoie
Located in Long Island City, NY
Robert Savoie, Canadian (1939 - ) - Movement, Year: 1978, Medium: Etching and Aquatint on Arches, signed, dated and numbered in pencil, Edition: 15/50, Image Size: 22 x 27.5 inches, ...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Original-Golden Summer-UK Awarded Artist, British School, Exhibition Collection
Located in London, GB
Shizico spent three days painting this plein air in her sunlit garden. She applied 550 Ture Gold paint and Van Gogh Yellow creating a stunning backdrop which served as the canvas for...
Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Gold

For Alberti, For Spain - Etching by Joan Mirò - 1975
By Joan Miró
Located in Roma, IT
For Alberti, For Spain! it's an artwork realized by Joan Mirò in 1975. Etching,  90 x 66 cm.  Hand signed. Edition 62/90. Reference: Dupin 926 Printed on Fabriano paper, Printed ...
Category

1970s Surrealist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching

For Alberti, For Spain! - Etching by Joan Mirò - 1975
By Joan Miró
Located in Roma, IT
For Alberti, For Spain!  it's an original artwork realized by Joan Mirò in 1975. Etching,  90 x 66 cm.  Hand signed. Edition 50/90. Reference: Dupin 926 Printed on Fabriano paper...
Category

1970s Surrealist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching

For Alberti, For Spain! - Etching by Joan Mirò - 1975
By Joan Miró
Located in Roma, IT
For Alberti, For Spain!  is a contemporary artwork realized by Joan Mirò in 1975. Mixed colored etching. Hand signed and numbered on the lower margin. Edition of XXVIII/LX. There ...
Category

1970s Surrealist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching

Rain Over Mountain, Modern Art in Blue Tones, Landscape, Cyanotype Monotype 2024
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted unique cyanotype that takes its inspiration from the mid-century modern shapes. It's made by layering paper cutouts and different exposures using uv-...
Category

2010s Modern Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Watercolor, Lithograph, Monotype, Paper

Mixed Media Painting on Board
Located in Denton, TX
Layers of paper and paint make this artwork stand out on it's own. Unsigned.
Category

20th Century Modern Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Wood, Paint, Paper

Mixed Media Painting on Board
Mixed Media Painting on Board
$1,500
H 60.13 in W 48 in D 1 in
Dimidium - Etchings by Brian Eno, 2023, Etching on Somerset Velvet 400gsm
By Brian Eno
Located in Zug, CH
Brian Eno Dimidium Etchings 2023 Etching on Somerset Velvet 400gsm, with deckled edges 65.5 × 65.5 cm (25.8 × 25.8 in) Signed and numbered Edition of 25 In excellent conditions Prin...
Category

2010s Abstract Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching

Study #26, 1960s Gouache painting Signed Framed Pace & Hudson Gallery provenance
By Jack Youngerman
Located in New York, NY
Jack Youngerman Untitled Study #26, 1967 Gouache painting on paper (with original JL Hudson and PACE Gallery labels) Hand signed and dated '67 on the front; J.L. Hudson Gallery Label on Verso. Unique Abstract Expressionist work on paper Frame included Framed Measurements: Framed: 15 inches by 15 inches by 1.5 inch Artwork: 7.75 inches by 7.5 inches Provenance From the estate of Anne Markley Spivak J. L. Hudson Gallery Label affixed to verso (back). The J.L. Hudson Gallery, Detroit, Michigan This 1967 unique, signed gouache painting by renowned abstract expressionist painter Jack Youngerman was acquired from the estate of Anne Markley Spivak. It is held in the original vintage metal frame with the original J.L. Hudson Gallery label, as well as the PACE gallery label on the verso The artwork has been newly loated and framed in a museum quality white wood frame; the original labels from the original back board have been affixed to the back to preserve provenance. Jack Youngerman Biography Jack Youngerman was born in St. Louis, Missouri on March 25, 1926. He moved to Louisville, Kentucky in 1929 and studied at the University of Missouri, Columbia from 1944 to 1946 under a wartime navy training program. He graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 1947 and, that same year, he returned to Missouri to finish his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism before moving to Paris on a G.I. scholarship. In Paris, Youngerman enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, studying drawing with Jean Souverbie. He explored Paris, taking in the cathedrals, museums, and history in order to grasp a greater sense of art history. He also traveled to the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Italy, and Greece on fine art excursions. In 1948, Youngerman became friends with Ellsworth Kelly, Eduardo Paolozzi, and Cesar – fellow students at Ecole des Beaux-Arts. He married Delphine Seyrig in 1950, and later that year he had his first group exhibition at Galerie Maeght in Paris. He visited the studios of Constantín Brancusi and Jean Arp and became heavily influenced by the organic forms present in their work. He also met artist Alexander Calder through his father-in-law, Henri Seyrig, and experimental filmmaker and artist, Robert Breer...
Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Gouache

Contemporary Abstract Mixed-Media Work by John Fraser
By John Fraser
Located in Chicago, IL
John Fraser (1952-), three dimensional art collage on board with an open and pageless book, tape, acrylic paint and multilayered paper. Nicely backed and mounted. Titled "Interior with Blue Highlights." Measures: 18" x 18". Galleries with John Fraser permanent collections and select permanent collections. The Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, OH. The Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, DE. The New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa, Fe, NM. The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu, HI. The McNay Art Museum, San Antonio, TX. Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Esteban Vincente...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Acrylic, Paper, Wood

Nature Morte country side farming scene
By Maurice Savin
Located in Belgrade, MT
This lithograph is part of my private collection. It is original and pencil signed and numbered by the artist.
Category

20th Century Abstract Expressionist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Engraving, Lithograph

Previously Available Items
THE COSMIC MOUNTAIN
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Portland, ME
Johnston, Ynez. THE COSMIC MOUNTAIN. Etching in colors printed from two plates, 1981. Edition of 100, numbered 64/100, titled, signed, and dated, all in pencil. 18 x 11 3/4 inches (o...
Category

1980s Abstract Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching

UNTITLED
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Portland, ME
Johnston, Ynez (American, 1920-2019). UNTITLED. Color woodcut, not dated. Edition size, if any, not known. Inscriibed "Trial Proof" in the left margin, and signed in pencil in the lo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Lithograph

UNTITLED
UNTITLED
H 10 in W 25 in D 1 in
THE TROJAN WAR
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Santa Monica, CA
YNEZ JOHNSTON (b. 1920 - ) THE TROJAN WAR c. 1954 Color etching, Signed, titled and numbered 15/35 in pencil. 12 1/2 x 17 3/4, sheet ...
Category

1950s Abstract Expressionist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Intaglio

THE SPANISH MAIN
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Portland, ME
Johnston, Ynez (American, born 1920). THE SPANISH MAIN. Etching and aquatint in colors, 1963. Edition of 35, signed, titled, numbered 1/35 and dated, all in pencil. Printed on laid p...
Category

1960s Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Untitled
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Denver, CO
Mixed media on paper. Presented in a custom frame, outer dimensions measure 21 ¼ x 26 ¾ x ¾ inches. Image size is 13 ¼ x 19 ¼ inches. A native of Berkeley, Johnston's artistic talent received encouragement from her family who enrolled her in Saturday classes at the California College of Arts in Oakland with excursions to the de Young Memorial Museum in San Francisco. In 1941 she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of California at Berkeley and the Bertha B. Taussig Memorial Award for the outstanding graduate in fine arts. Her instructors Worth Ryder, Erle Lorain and Margaret...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Untitled
Untitled
H 21.25 in W 26.75 in D 0.75 in
THE COSMIC MOUNTAIN
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Portland, ME
Johnston, Ynez. THE COSMIC MOUNTAIN. Etching in colors printed from two plates, 1981. Edition of 100, numbered 64/100, titled, signed, and dated, all in pencil. 18 x 11 3/4 inches (o...
Category

1980s Abstract Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching

THE TROJAN WAR
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Portland, ME
Johnston, Ynez. THE TROJAN WAR. Etching, aquatint in colors, not dated. Edition of 35, numbered 1/35, and titled and signed, all in pencil. 12 1/2 in x 17 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

STORM at SEA
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Santa Monica, CA
YNEZ JOHNSTON (b.1920- ) STORM AT SEA c. 1955 mixed deep intaglio, signed and numbered edition 55. 19 ¾ x 13 ¼”. Image good, color...
Category

1950s Abstract Geometric Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Intaglio

STORM at SEA
STORM at SEA
H 19.75 in W 13.25 in
UNTITLED
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Santa Monica, CA
YNEZ JOHNSTON (b. 1920) UNTITLED Etching with plate tone. Signed in pencil no. 3/10? in pencil. 5 7/8 x 7 7/8. Very rare early work by Johnston, possibly as e...
Category

1950s Surrealist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching

UNTITLED
UNTITLED
H 5.875 in W 7.875 in
UNTITLED
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Santa Monica, CA
YNEZ JOHNSTON (b. 1920) UNTITLED c. 1950. Etching with plate tone. 6 7/8 x 9. Signed and numbered in pencil 4/20. Rare early work by Johnston. $800 ...
Category

1950s Surrealist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Etching

Mixed Media on Paper by Ynez Johnston
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A beautifully rendered mixed media work by Ynez Johnston in a custom gilt wood shadow box frame and floating on a natural linen matt. Signed at the bottom right (see Image 5). Dimens...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Pencil, Pen, Ink

Mixed Media on Paper by Ynez Johnston
Mixed Media on Paper by Ynez Johnston
H 18.5 in W 15.5 in D 2 in
"Venice" Casein Painting on Paper by Ynez Johnston
By Ynez Johnston
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking and incredibly detailed casein painting on paper on paperboard by American artist Ynez Johnston. Signed on the bottom right by the artist (see Image 6). Dimensions given b...
Category

1950s American Vintage Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Linen, Paper, Wood

Ynez Johnston art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Ynez Johnston art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of pink and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Ynez Johnston in etching, paper, engraving and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Ynez Johnston art, so small editions measuring 15 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Leonard Edmondson, August Mosca, and Nancy Genn. Ynez Johnston art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,100 and tops out at $9,500, while the average work can sell for $1,800.

Artists Similar to Ynez Johnston

Recently Viewed

View All