Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Aaron Johnson

 

Aaron Johnson : Artist

 

O-072 Airstream-Dream by Aaron Johnson wc 8x10 $2300

Artist Statement I create art because I am devoted to the feeling of meticulously transforming a surface into something new. From a No.2 pencil on a grade-school desktop, to color on canvas, prepared board and fine papers, It has always been intriguing for me to watch an image emerge from nothing. When I am working on a painting or drawing, pushing and pulling layers of colors and sharping details, I am acutely focused and truly in my element.

O-073 Angus-Young-Tantrums-by Aaron Johnson wc 16x23 $4200

Biography

Aaron Johnson lives and works in Orangevale, California. He creates his artwork in various mediums including oil, acrylic, graphite, and pastel as well as digital media. Aaron studied art at Sacramento City College and California College of the Arts in San Francisco, earning an AA and BFA respectively. His subject matter is predominantly vintage popular culture including classic automobiles. Aaron’s artwork is privately collected, commissioned and has been exhibited in select galleries like Christopher Hill Art Gallery in St Helena, Edward Montgomery Fine Art in Carmel By The Sea, Fire and Rain Art Gallery in Folsom, Wonderland SF in San Francisco, Musichead in Hollywood California and more. Please feel free to contact Aaron to discuss his artwork or any possible commission opportunities be they commercial or private.

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Annie Hughes

 

O-054 Home is her Hen House by Annie Hughes acrylic 21x26 $600

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Tara Holeman

 

T-023 Misty Morning Daffodils by Tara Holeman acrylic 12x12 $150

    My name is Tara Holeman. My two passions in life are being a mother to my beautiful son, Sylas, and sharing my love for the arts!  I attended Fresno State and earned a BA in Fine Arts, with an emphasis in drawing and painting. While going to school I was fortunate to work as a commercial artist for Trader Joe’s. Studying the arts while being employed as an artist was a dream come true and an invaluable experience!  

Upon completing my undergraduate program I decided to go into art education, which I am proud to say I have been doing now for the past 16 years! I have taught all levels in K-12, however I am currently working as a high school art teacher in Fresno. It is the BEST job! 

     I love creating art in all media! Some favorites include pastel, watercolor, ink, Prismacolor pencil, just to name a few. I enjoy experimenting and exploring new styles and techniques. My students constantly inspire me to take creative risks!  Recently, I have really enjoyed working in a more loose and expressive style. Being a new mom has made time and energy a precious commodity, so it has in many ways forced me to loosen up and create in the short times that I have. Nap time is now my coveted creation time! 

 

     This painting called, Misty Morning Daffodils, is an important work in the return to my artistry and reigniting my passion for painting. My motherhood role has taught me many valuable lessons, one I have found to be especially important is to be authentic to yourself and remember to do what brings you joy!!

So, I decided that for this piece I would not plan or agonize over the intended outcome, but rather to simply paint and express the soothing serenity of one of life’s simple joys. Delicate spring daffodils in the misty morning light. A symbol of stillness and peace in an ever chaotic world. 

 

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Holly Heath

O-088 Impossible Bloom by Holly Heath acrylic 10x8 $150

 Holly Heath is a local artist living in Murphys. She is thrilled to have multiple pieces in this years showcase. “Impossible Bloom” was inspired by the day-blooming gazanias in her garden and the impossible beauty of the night sky. Never the twain shall meet. “Mountain Misery” is a spraypainted piece with a moss border, meant to capture the feeling of a day in the woods. 

 As a child Holly always loved to draw. She took classes in watercolors for several years from Martha Wallace. Since then she has been primarily self-taught with the occasional class and input from her artistic brother Jesse. Holly decided to branch out into acrylics in her 20’s.Not long after, her aunt was kind enough to give her a massive set of paints and brushes for Christmas which inspired her to further develop herself as a painter. 

O-089 Mountain Misery  by Holly Heath acrylic 17x17 $150

 

She enjoys exploring different subjects and challenging herself to make each piece unique and beautiful. Lately she has been working do develop her style and expression with acrylic paints. She also enjoys making collaborative pieces with her new husband Jeremiah Heath, several of which are featured in this years’ showcase. 

 Besides painting Holly loves to garden and spend time outdoors. She finds joy in bringing beauty and abundance from the earth. She also has a passion for the performance arts. A juggler, she has performed across the globe from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland to the local Black Bart Playhouse. Holly may also be seen in the local theater community, most recently with Murphys Creek Theatre. She also loves to play and listen to music, exploring a wide variety of styles and genres.