My art career began shortly after I moved to Key West, Florida. At the age of 18, I peddled a bicycle from Jacksonville to Key West. I returned two years later and called it home for the next 22 years. As a self-taught painter, I couldn't have attended a better art school. I was inspired by the beauty of colorful skies, turquoise seas, classic victorian architecture and the thriving artist community. I painted the things I loved best -- mainly the town's most beloved symbols: schooners, conch houses, historic buildings, restaurants, fish, marine life, corals and birds. A lot of those scenes have now disappeared, but I am glad to have captured them on canvas. In '98 my big debut happened at the oldest and most prestigious gallery in Key West located on famous Duval Street - the Gingerbread Square Gallery http://gingerbreadsquaregallery.com/Paintings/Johnson/johnson.html . Subsequently, I have held many solo exhibitions and my paintings have found their way into numerous collections worldwide. I'm still honored to exhibit there on a full time basis and Key West is always in my heart.
In the fall of 2004 I relocated to another beautiful Florida island, Anna Maria on the Gulf Coast, which I now call home. I love the nature that Manatee county hosts -- from the pristine beaches to the great rivers that meet the Gulf. It too is a painters paradise. During the winter months I show at many local Art festivals on the island and in the Sarasota area. Summers have found me in the picturesque town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine. A wonderful place to be and create with the area's nautical life and natural beauty.
I'm looking forward to this 2009 season with some great new works of art.
I hope you enjoy my work, Robert Johnson
