We are thrilled to be joined for a day by our dynamic, bold-brush, award-winning artist Gail Johnson whose visually striking landscapes, West Coast scenes, poppy fields and still-life exude optimism and joy and captivate viewers through the symphony of warm, saturated colours.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Gail spent her formative years in upstate New York with an avid interest in art since her teens at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute in Utica, NY. She attended Boston University, and later moved to Toronto to take courses at Central Technical School and Ontario College of Art in preparation for admission into University of Toronto’s Medical Illustration Degree Program.
Moving with her husband to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, she furthered her art education at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo. Although she continued drawing and painting, her main focus became the creation of their family’s successful organic farm and market business. With the sale of the family business in 2001, and her two children grown, Gail returned to her first passion and has been painting full time since.
Gail works mainly in acrylics and oils on canvas, as well as watercolor and pastels. Considered a leader in her field, Gail pushes the limits of contemporary landscape with her powerful and compelling pieces.
She paints intuitively, often referencing imagery inspired by her farming life, Vancouver Island’s impressive coastline, wildflower filled Rocky Mountain landscapes, international travels, meandering road trips, and her favorite fly fishing locations.
Travelling in Europe has given her opportunities to paint en plein-air in Tuscany, Florence, Venice, Malaga, England and most recently in Provence, France.
An active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists since 2003, Gail achieved AFCA Signature Status in 2006. Her award-winning work has been featured in countless group exhibitions, as well as solo shows in British Columbia and Alberta and can be found in private collections internationally. Gail is a popular workshop instructor, well known for enthusiastically sharing her knowledge and passion for painting.
On Saturday, September 25th, 2021, art enthusiasts, friends of our gallery, fans and admirers of the artist and anyone who appreciates art and learning more about Gail Johnson, will have this unique opportunity to meet her , interact with her and gain insights into her process. Visit us upstairs at the historic Duncan Garage building near the back patio by the gallery to be inspired and to witness the creation of a brand new, bold and beautiful work of art.