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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.
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Artist: Ynez Johnston
Ynez Johnston Abstract Watercolor & Gouache Painting, 1985, 20th Century Modern
Ynez Johnston Abstract Watercolor & Gouache Painting, 1985, 20th Century Modern

Ynez Johnston Abstract Watercolor & Gouache Painting, 1985, 20th Century Modern

By Ynez Johnston

Located in Denver, CO

This striking 1985 abstract painting by Ynez Johnston (1920–2019) exemplifies the artist’s imaginative fusion of modernist abstraction and symbolic narrative. Executed in watercolor ...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache

UNTITLED

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

'Tribal Coast', Expressionist Woman artist, Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim
'Tribal Coast', Expressionist Woman artist, Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim

'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, 198/2...

Category

1960s Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Paper, Engraving

DYNASTIC SCENE
DYNASTIC SCENE

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

Ynez Johnston Acrylic on Canvas, 1993 - "White Island"
Ynez Johnston Acrylic on Canvas, 1993 - "White Island"

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

"HUNTING SCENE II" Lithograph by Ynez Johnston
"HUNTING SCENE II" Lithograph by Ynez Johnston

"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

Related Items
Artist and Model Howard Hodgkin - green and yellow etching watercolour gouache
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Artist and Model Howard Hodgkin - green and yellow etching watercolour gouache

By Howard Hodgkin

Located in New York, NY

This vibrant abstract orange and green print is part of a group of soft-ground etchings (Artist and Model, Artist and Model (in green and yellow), These…Plants) by Howard Hodgkin. The two versions of Artist and Model are printed from the same plates, but in different colors. In this iteration, green watercolor contrasts beautifully with marigold orange, crimson, and terra cotta red. Seen in all three prints is a bust in silhouette before a window. Artist and Model is a surprising name, as Hodgkin never painted or drew from a model. Signed by the artist with initials, dated 1980, and numbered lower center in red crayon. Soft-ground etching with hand coloring in a yellow watercolor wash and green gouache on Stoneridge mould-made etching paper. Edition 100. Howard Hodgkin was introduced to the etching technique used in Artist and Model (in green and yellow) at Petersburg Press, where this print was produced and where he would become a long-time collaborator. This technique allowed him to work fluidly and spontaneously, creating the moody interior scenes that mark Hodgkin’s work from the late 70s and early 80s. Catalogue reference: Elizabeth Knowles...

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Late 20th Century Abstract Ynez Johnston Art

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Watercolor, Gouache, Etching

Untitled #1
Untitled #1

Luis Lopez LozaUntitled #1, c,1980

$950

H 30 in W 17.25 in D 0.01 in

Untitled #1

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork, Untitled #1 is an original color aquatint on Wove paper by noted Mexican artist Luis Lopez Loza, b.1939. It is hand signed and numbered 4/50 i...

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Late 20th Century Abstract Ynez Johnston Art

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Genesis 6th Day
Genesis 6th Day

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$500

H 16.35 in W 12.35 in D 0.65 in

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By Dennis Ray Beall

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork titled "Genesis 6th Day" 1962 is a n original etching, with embossing by noted American artist Dennis Ray Beall, b.1929. It is hand signed, titled, dated and numbered 24...

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Genesis 7th Day
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$500

H 16.35 in W 12.35 in D 0.65 in

Genesis 7th Day

By Dennis Ray Beall

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork titled "Genesis 7th Day" 1962 is a n original colors etching, with embossing by noted American artist Dennis Ray Beall, b.1929. It is hand signed, titled, dated and numb...

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Mid-20th Century American Modern Ynez Johnston Art

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Located in Fairfield, CT

Artist: Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Title: Téléphone-homard cybernétique (Michler/Löpsinger 822-831; Field 75-13), Imaginations et Objets du Futur (Cybernetic lobster phone, Imaginatio...

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1970s Surrealist Ynez Johnston Art

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Serpentine (blue) - Contemporary, Abstract, Figure, Women, fragile

Serpentine (blue) - Contemporary, Abstract, Figure, Women, fragile

By Georg Baselitz

Located in Köln, DE

Aquatint in colours with sugar lift "Serpentine" (blue) by Georg Baselitz from 2022/23. The edition on Somerset White Satin comprises 50 copies in blue / 50 copies in green. The ...

Category

2010s Contemporary Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

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Genesis 1th Day
Genesis 1th Day

Dennis Ray BeallGenesis 1th Day, 1962

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Genesis 1th Day

By Dennis Ray Beall

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork titled "Genesis 1th Day" 1961 is a n original etching, with embossing by noted American artist Dennis Ray Beall, b.1929. It is hand signed, titled, dated and numbered 24...

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Mid-20th Century American Modern Ynez Johnston Art

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Etching

The beloved feeds among the lilies (Field 71-17J; M&L 477), Dalí
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The beloved feeds among the lilies (Field 71-17J; M&L 477), Dalí

By Salvador Dalí­

Located in Fairfield, CT

Title: The beloved feeds among the lilies (Field 71-17J; M&L 477), from the portfolio, The song of songs of King Solomon Year: 1971 Medium: Etching printed in colours with gilding on...

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1970s Surrealist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Engraving

Antiombrelle à atomiseurs de liquides (Michler/Löpsinger 822-831; Field 75-13)
Antiombrelle à atomiseurs de liquides (Michler/Löpsinger 822-831; Field 75-13)

Antiombrelle à atomiseurs de liquides (Michler/Löpsinger 822-831; Field 75-13)

By Salvador Dalí­

Located in Fairfield, CT

Artist: Salvador Dali (1904-1989) Title: Antiombrelle à atomiseurs de liquides (Michler/Löpsinger 822-831; Field 75-13), Imaginations et Objets du Futur (Liquid atomizer anti-shade, ...

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1970s Surrealist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Drypoint, Lithograph, Screen

Planetary And Scatologic Vision
Planetary And Scatologic Vision

Planetary And Scatologic Vision

By Salvador Dalí­

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist: Salvador Dali (Spanish surrealist, 1904-1989) Title: Planetary and Scatologic Vision Year: 1974 Medium: Engraving with embossing and color lithograph Edition: Numbered...

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Late 20th Century Surrealist Ynez Johnston Art

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Engraving, Lithograph

Fusion, Abstract Art Original Painting, Ready to Hang
Fusion, Abstract Art Original Painting, Ready to Hang

Fusion, Abstract Art Original Painting, Ready to Hang

By Voskan Galstian

Located in Granada Hills, CA

Artist: Voskan Galstian Work: Original Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Year: 2023 Style: Abstract Art, Title: Fusion Size: 40" x 30" x 1.5'' i...

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2010s Impressionist Ynez Johnston Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Previously Available Items
THE COSMIC MOUNTAIN

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
UNTITLED

Ynez JohnstonUNTITLED

Sold

H 10 in W 25 in D 1 in

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

THE TROJAN WAR
THE TROJAN WAR

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

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
Untitled

Ynez JohnstonUntitled, 1948

Sold

H 21.25 in W 26.75 in D 0.75 in

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

THE COSMIC MOUNTAIN

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

Ynez JohnstonTHE TROJAN WAR

Sold

H 16 in W 24 in

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
STORM at SEA

Ynez JohnstonSTORM at SEA, 1955

Sold

H 19.75 in W 13.25 in

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

UNTITLED
UNTITLED

Ynez JohnstonUNTITLED, c. 1950

Sold

H 5.875 in W 7.875 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

Ynez JohnstonUNTITLED, c.1950

Sold

H 6.875 in W 9 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

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.

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