Ms Johnson is the Executive Director and
owner of The Academy of Fine Art, Wisconsin's only Art Renewal Center
approved academy. She is a graduate of The American Academy of Art and
The Academy of Fine Art. Her extensive education includes architectural
rendering, watercolor, figurative, still life and portrait study in
graphite, ink, charcoal, oil and watercolor. Molly's work has been shown
in many national and international exhibitions along with solo and
group exhibitions throughout the state of Wisconsin. Johnson has been a
professional artist for over 25 years and an art instructor for all
grade levels through adults.
The
Academy of Fine Art and Molly's personal studio are located in Denmark,
Wisconsin within the historical 1909 Flour Mill that she and her husband
Brian have renovated into a creative space welcoming artists of all
levels. Please visit her work at www.mollyjohnsonstudio.com, and The Academy at www.theacademyoffineart.com
1st Place Oils and Acrylic ($1000 certificate for Richeson art materials)
Vince Natale, "Brooklyn Bridge Opening Ceremonies, 1883"
One of the many things
that I found so wonderful about this piece is the strong architectural
presence of the bridge and surrounding buildings, they are skillfully
replicated in this night scene. Another is the radiance of the fireworks
and lamp light to highlight the focal point; it is extremely effective
and festive. Vince's painting is an enjoyable glimpse into the past.
2nd Place Oils and Acrylic ($500 certificate for Richeson art materials)
Lisa Larrabee, "Westward Moon"
That beautiful moon looming over the last glow of the evening sun on the trees and soft light on the grasses is stunning. I
felt a sense of serenity standing in front of it, dreaming of evenings
chasing fireflies. Lisa has a gifted ability to capture the subtleties
of nature and atmosphere making it easy for the viewer to enter her
paintings with their own memories.
1st Place Other Media ($1000 certificate for Richeson art materials)
Antonio Masi, "Morning Work"
Antonio's color
palette brings out the coolness of being under the steel girder bridge
and the pattern of the white light of daytime launches us down the road
in motion. His use of watercolor and exquisite edge work give this
painting movement and authenticity placing us right into a yellow taxi
zooming below this bridge.
2nd Place Other Media ($500 certificate for Richeson art materials)
Joyce Hanson, "Citadel"
The
intriguing subject matter was beautifully captured in Pastel. There is a
wonderful sense of life and movement in this almost abstract painting.
The colors are rich and delicious and add to the overall magnificence of
this "Citadel."
Three paintings were also selected for Honorable Mention by Ms Johnson: They are:
Sharon Way Howard, Follow the Leader, Oil
Diane Fechenbach, Desert Sculpture, Watercolor
Charles Peer, A Beautiful Ending, Pastel
And last but not least, Best in Show with an award or $5,000 cash goes to
Ming Feng, "Sunday Sailing"
The
captured light and use of color make this sailing scene romantic and
classical and definitely stopped me in my tracks as I first came upon
it. Ming's strong fundamental knowledge and training is evident in his
use of composition, color, value and beautifully placed brush strokes. I
found myself returning to it repeatedly and enjoying it more each time.
Congratulations to all the winners!
