Larry Johnson
Spheres of Chaos 24 x 24 $450
Connecting Mood (Diptych) 12 x 24 $300
Banksy 36 x 36 $800
Celestial Ascent 30 x 24 $750
Banksy (Triptych) 30 x 36 $750
Considering Circumstances 36 x 36 $800
Scarred Aspirations 48 x 36 $1050
Windows of Time 48 x 36 $1050
Circle Around 24 x 24 $450
Aureate Perspective 20 x 20 #350
Blemished 40 x 30 $750
After retiring in 2008, Larry Johnson developed a passion to find a new outlet for his artistic endeavors. After four years, he was finally persuaded that his new outlet should be an art gallery. “Up until now, I only painted for my personal enjoyment and to satisfy my creative needs,” says Johnson. “After much encouragement, I am exhibiting my paintings for the first time.” Johnson’s debut show, “Finding Properties in the Tones of the Earth,” opens at The Temp on June 12. “In an unorthodox way, I begin my paintings with little or no idea of how the painting will evolve,” he says. “Usually beginning with a pallet of earth tone colors, I create a textured background using multiple materials and layers such as collage strips, cement, and stain.” Often, Johnson then sands and scratches the surface to reveal what’s underneath. “I derive inspiration from weathered wood, peeling paint and even rusted metal, he says. “Sometimes, this background becomes the completed painting. Other times, I add objects for balance and interest, all the time keeping simplicity a major goal. I am often asked what a particular painting means and for that I have no real answer … only that I make art and wok on it until it feels right to me and then I move on to the next piece. As with many artists, I prefer to leave the emotional response between the viewer and the art, without any necessary words.” Born and raised in Kansas, Johnson is an emerging artist working in the medium of acrylic paint and mixed media. After graduating from the University of Kansas, he moved to Sacramento where he opened the Posh Shoppe Florist. He worked there as owner and floral designed until he retired in 2008.