Steve A Johnson Visual Arts

Born in 1960 and raised in London, I am a dual US/UK citizen who moved to the United States in 2002 at the age of 42.

My educational background is in the sciences; I earned a B.Sc. in Environmental Biology in my 30s. At the time, I chose a scientific path over a formal art education because I believed art could be self-taught, while science would provide a level of intellectual rigor that would ultimately benefit my artistic practice.

Early Work

I began focusing seriously on art in my 30s during a period of travel in the Middle East, where I was inspired by the unique light and access to a library of art history resources. After returning to the UK, I exhibited figurative abstract paintings in a solo show and several group exhibitions in the London area.

Following my move to the U.S., I co-owned a gallery, taught art, and displayed my work in various venues.

Photography

During my 40s, I turned my attention to photography, specifically a minimal, monochrome style influenced by Paul Strand and the f64 group. This work culminated in the publication of my book, The Minimalist Photographer.

Foggy Morning

Abstract Hostas

Old House Old Car

Abstract Tracks

Abstract Photo of Abstract Sculpture

Ultra Wide

Painting and Digital Media

In my 50s, I returned to painting, producing more than 1,000 abstract expressionist pieces. I released the majority of this work into the public domain, and it remains the work for which I am best known.

Though I have dabbled with computer art since the late 1990s, I have focused more deeply on digital mediums over the last decade. Much of this output is also in the public domain, with approximately 1,000 additional pieces available through subscription services.

Current Focus

My current practice is centered on digital collage. This medium allows me to integrate elements from my entire career—including photographs, computer graphics, and paintings—often bringing together components created decades apart. While I have not yet received formal recognition for my collages, I find the process of composing them deeply rewarding

Surreal Collage

Links

Interview: Sunlight Press (Painting) An Interview with Steve Johnson
Article: Valpo Life (Art) A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Steve Johnson
Book: Rocky Nook (Photography) The Minimalist Photographer by Steve Johnson

Unsplash Steve A Johnson (Free and subscription stock artwork - paintings and 3D renders)
Pexels Steve A Johnson (Free stock artwork - Paintings)

A page set up to show provenance for my work. Steve A Johnson Provenance

My work in progress and more day-to-day stuff: Behance

YouTube slideshows, stop-motion and experimental stuff

Official identity archive (Instagram)

Fine Art America (ID purposes only)