RL Johnson — Artist Biography

Stained Glass Design

From 1978 to 1985 the artist worked in stained glass design and fabrication. He was primarily involved in creating autonomous panels on commission for private and corporate collectors.

Photography

From 1980 to 1984 the artist worked in color and b&w photography, creating a large library of surrealist influenced works. He established a studio dark-room and was primarily involved in photographing street people and urban landscapes.

Painting

The artist began studying art history and painting technique in 1990. In 1994 he opened a studio and began painting on a full time basis. Initially he worked almost exclusively in watercolor, and over the years from 1990 to 1994 developed a range of innovative techniques for creating works in this medium.

In 1995, a change to acrylic paint was made. With the new medium came an increase in image size.

In 1997 the artist began experimenting with a new creative process for accessing primal visions. This process became the preliminary stage in the development of the processes and practices of the Animatic Art Movement.

Over the period from 1990 to 1999 the artist created a substantial body of work, totaling 350 completed works on paper and canvas.

The artist currently works exclusively in acrylic, creating paintings on paper, wood panel and canvas.

Founder of the Animatic Art Movement

In 1999 the artist formulated his experiences, ideas and philosophies on art and culture into a simple inspirational document, the Animatic Manifesto. The manifesto encourages artists to energize their artforms, by returning to the primal and tribal roots of creativity, and to work together to bring forth new and powerful visions for a united and caring 21st century global community.