Born in the U.S., Janet Johnson grew up amid the rolling hills and lush farmland of central Pennsylvania, beginning her lifelong fascination with landscape.
Educated at the Tyler School of Art and Villa Schifanoia School of Art in Florence, Janet studied first-hand the masterworks of Italian painting and sculpture. That experience fueled her desire to present themes of beauty in a figurative style.
The dramatic landscape art of the Romantic period is an important influence on the artist’s portrayal of the landscape. In a similar way, Janet envisions the profound experience of nature: as a source of pleasure and sensuous beauty as well as spiritual uplift.
The expansive mountain scene is a hallmark of the artist’s style. The mountain landscape is framed as a metaphor for the larger journey of life. Against this backdrop the artist portrays moments of serene contemplation, as well as scenes of action that highlight moments of courage in a challenging environment.
In her nocturne works, the artist explores the ephemeral beauty of the landscape at night. Evoking a dream-like mood, the artist takes the viewer into a transcendent moment where snowy peaks shimmer against the night sky, lit by the moon and stars above.
Janet Johnson’s paintings are held by collectors worldwide: in England, Europe, North America, and Asia. Her work is profiled in the book, The Artists of the Alpine Club, by Peter Mallalieu.
EXHIBITIONS
The Alpine Club London
‘A Wider Landscape’ September to November 2022 curated by Polly Townsend
‘Glaciers’ curated exhibition of Alpine Club collection, two plein air sketches added from 2022
‘Mountains and the Sea: Svalbard and Northern Norway,’ solo exhibit 2018.
‘Glory of the Glacier,’ curated exhibition of Alpine Club collection and member artists 2016.
‘Encounters with Rock, Snow, and Ice,’ solo exhibit 2015.
‘The Haute Route,’ first exhibition at club as associate member 2010.
Fosse Gallery Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire
Landscape scenes selected for seasonal group exhibitions from Winter 2016 through Winter 2023.
Royal Watercolour Society, Bankside Gallery London
Works chosen for the Open Competition. Exhibitions in 2011, 2013, 2017 and 2019.
Solo Exhibitions
Solo show: Smith & Williamson corporate office London, 2019.
‘Arolla Sublime,’ Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus, Arolla, Switzerland, 2015 to 2017.
‘Alpine Paintings,’ Parkhotel Beau Site, Zermatt, Switzerland, 2011 to 2012.
‘Alpine Paintings,’ Hôtel de la Couronne, Argentière, France, 2011 to 2012.
‘Art in the Office,’ Boston Consulting Group, London 1996.
Young & Rubicam, London 1992.
The Orangery in Holland Park, London 1991.
Morley Gallery, Southwark London 1988.
Group Exhibitions
New English Art Club Annual Exhibition 2021 – Mall Galleries
ING Discerning Eye 2021 – Mall Galleries three paintings selected
Wellbeing Charity Sale – The Charity for Civil Servants / organized by The Art Movement – at Bonhams and Phillips auction houses London in 1997 and 1998
Royal Academy Summer show 1994
Spectator Art Award, ‘Reflections’ theme, Christie’s London and Edinburgh 1993.
Laing Art Competition at Mall Galleries, 1992 and 1994.
Hunting Group Art Prizes, Mall Galleries 1986.
Miniprint Internacional-Cadaques, Barcelona, Spain 1983 and 1987.
XIII Il Premio Diomira 1981 – Nazionale del Disegno (drawing competition), Milan Italy 1981
Gallery Exhibitions
The Honor Oak Gallery, London, Creaser Gallery Portobello London, Roy Miles Gallery London, Stephen Bartley Gallery in Kings Road, Moreton Street Gallery Pimlico, The Osborne Studio Gallery in Covent Garden, Wingfield Sporting Art London, Equus Art in Newmarket, Beatrice Royal Gallery Southampton.
Photo credits David Sorrell, portrait Sarah Cuttle Mel Watson