Mary Johnston

I am a contemporary landscape & abstract painter. The natural elements, large expansive sky, peaceful water, quiet green forests, the rocks and wind through the grass are the passions that dominate my work. Growing up on the Great Lakes created in me a sense that this natural world we live in is more beautiful and mysterious then we will ever know.

I currently work out of my studio on the third floor above the Magdalena Gallery of Art in the Carmel, IN Arts & Design District. As a busy working artist, I travel to shows throughout the US. Select galleries currently represent me along with design firms and art-consultant groups. I have spent many years in the arts field working in different mediums; however, the large-scale contemporary oils are my current passion along with my groupings of 12″ x 12″s and customcreated works.

I was born and raised in Duluth, MN. Growing up I was always extremely creative and lucky to have a mother who indulged my talents. I also was within walking distance to a world-class art museum: The Tweed Museum of Art on the campus of the University of MN, Duluth. There was not an exhibit that I missed and loved to just go to the museum & spend some ‘quiet time’ with the art.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, a move to New Jersey with my husband exposed me to the great art and museums of New York City and to the Somerset Art Association in Bedminster, NJ where I learned to really be an artist; show, sell and hone my ‘craft’ in both watercolor work and faux painting. A short two years in California during the ’90’s gave me the huge view of the Pacific and the gorgeous colors of the West Coast. Our move back to NJ in 1997 gave me the opportunity to go into ‘the arts’ once again thankfully with my faux painting business. Our move to Indiana in 2003 exposed me to oil paints and the beautiful expansive sky of the Midwest.

From here I have been able to build my business in contemporary art. Currently, I live in Carmel, IN with my husband, Jim. I have three children in different stages of their adult lives. We have a cabin in northern Wisconsin where our family spends as much time as possible. It is a beautiful haven for family, friends and a place for me to find so much inspiration in the North Woods and shores of Lake Superior. The large expansive skies of Indiana and the farmlands of the Midwest and the great open spaces of the Western US & Canada add the sense of ‘vastness’ to my work. The other places I travel throughout the year and have lived add yet another dimension to my work as my eye catches and remembers everything about the place. All this creativity is special gift to be shared. Enjoy!