Adrian Johnson

VAS AGRA

Adrian Johnson VAS AGRA painting plein air at Kilcunda

I was born in 1951, and live in Wonthaggi in South Eastern Victoria.

I began my painting journey in the early 1980’s by becoming a member of our local artist’s society in Wonthaggi. While attending oil painting workshops by Colin Johnson and Peter Smales I was able to gain sufficient knowledge of the painting process and develop my own style of capturing the light in the landscape.

Over the years I have followed the careers of committed plein air painters like English artist David Curtis and Australia’s Ken Knight. Through the Australian Guild of Realist Artists (AGRA) I painted on location with some of Australia’s experienced artists and learnt how to tackle the frustrating and delights of painting outdoors. I have painted and exhibited extensively throughout Victoria, NSW and South Australia, these include the Flinders Ranges (SA), Southern Grampians (VIC), and the high country around Mansfield and Mt Buller.

I have had a long association with AGRA since the mid 90’s and in 2011 was awarded a Guild Fellowship for outstanding achievement. I have acquisitive works in Council collections and have been invited to judge at many local Art Shows.

In 2016 I joined the Victorian Artists Society (VAS). In 2017 I was awarded both the Gordon Moffatt Award in the Spring Exhibition, and the framing award in the Artist of The Year Exhibition. In 2021 between COVID lockdowns I had a solo showing in the Mackley Members Room at VAS.

My painting process on location involves setting up my easel so I am looking into the light. This technique has a more dramatic effect on my subject and helps me to simplify the larger shapes and tonal assessments. I have always considered drawing an important part of becoming a competent artist and have attended life classes locally and at the Victorian Artists Society.

My painting subjects over the years have been inspired by the dune landscapes of South Gippsland in my preferred medium of oils. In 2021 I was the proud recipient of a Signatory Membership of the Victorian Artists Society.