Bio

Monica Johnson is a contemporary abstract painter based in Carmel, California. Her acrylic and mixed media pieces are infused with deep intention, as she paints what is insider her, drawing inspiration from her personal connection with the rich and natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur Wilderness. Monica’s artwork features a synthesis of earthy colors, rich texture, and organic composition to explore the complexities that lie beneath the surface of simplicity.

Born in Monterey, Monica moved to Kansas as a child before returning to her hometown in her twenties. 

With her background in the healing arts and an innate love of beauty and creativity, Monica is uniquely positioned to explore the intersection of science and art.  In 2018 she began to paint and soon discovered her passion for abstract expressionism. She committed to refining her painting skills, studying with several accomplished artists and teachers, and developed her style by imbuing her canvases with inspirational and empowering words that resonate with her.

Johnson now paints for the thrill of exploration and discovery and the love of enhancing people’s lives. It is the most life-affirming thing she can do.

Monica Johnson’s artwork has been showcased in both local and national exhibitions. In addition, Monica has developed a growing following among collectors throughout the United States and Canada. Her art studio is located in Carmel, California and she is represented by Karen Anderer Fine Art, PA, and Gallery Sur, Carmel.

Artist Statement

My creative spirit and imagination run wild through abstract painting. Being deeply inspired by nature and with the human experience, I find beauty in the way that everything is connected. My art is an exploration of these connections and the complex rhythms that exists within simplicity. It serves as a reminder to find stillness in the midst of chaos.

Each painting begins with intention – words, phrases, and thoughts scribed across the canvas to evoke meaning. Meaning is then translated with paint and my process is one of constant exploration and discovery. Each brushstroke and mark on the canvas is an opportunity for me to push the boundaries of what is possible, to experiment with different techniques and materials, and to follow my own intuition and inspiration.

 Luminous depth emerges through the use of acrylic paint, graphite and collage, creating abstracting shapes, colors, and movements. Adding then subtracting, layers emerge then disappear, building a rich story upon the canvas. Mark upon mark creates a rhythmic pattern.

This process of artmaking is a way for me to step into the unknown, move through and understand the world. Through my paintings, I hope to inspire people to cultivate their own inner peace, creating a place for reflection, connection, and tranquility. –Monica