Biography of
Marian Lanham Johnson
Marian Johnson, for most of her life, has had art as a past-time/hobby, that was done for the pure joy of it. Her most
favorite Christmas gifts included crayons, pencils, and paper (tablet). At an early age of five years, she was drawing
portraits in pencil of her relatives. Elementary school art (South Ward School - Coleman, Texas ) was a class that was
enjoyed and done with pleasure.
'If I live to be a Hundred-----------
is a favorite saying of hers. Too many projects, so little time, but she continues to work away in various mediums.
Several years ago, Marian attended classes at McMurry University with Don Ellis, professional sculptor, learning
sculpting in Terra cotta clay. Other fun things along the way include beading, wire-working, making crosses from
found items; painting on wood items in classes with Ginger Test. Marian paints in watercolor, gouache, acrylics,
pastel and oils. Paintings are done in a variety of ways on a variety of different surfaces such as: Masonite, canvas,
sandpaper, acrylic coated paper(Yupo), watercolor paper, pastelboard, clayboard and canvas for watercolor. The
medium depends upon the subject to be painted. It seems to speak for the medium it needs to be done in. The
latest endeavor is stained glass classes from Kay Mitchell at Kay's Garden.
Sewing is also a passion. While sewing designer vests and silk ribbon embroidery, other projects came to the
forefront. Being able to sew came in handy while making polymer clay dolls. The clothing must be stitched to fit the
small doll bodies. "When I grow old, I shall wear purple" was the theme of the first doll. The 18" doll was a
gray-haired lady with painted fingernails in a purple silk dress and carrying a red hat. The second doll project was the
Phantom of the Opera, wearing a black tux, white tucked shirt, black suede cloth cape lined in red satin, real leather
shoes w/socks, a hat and a mask. The Phantom is able to stand on his legs on a presentation board. Nearby stands
a small replica Baby Grand piano. The Phantom holds a red rose which is his trademark. Classes from nationally
known doll artist, Marilyn Huston, were the beginning of this wonderful fun thing to do with spare? Time.
In her adult years, with the responsibility of family and career, there was no time for the fun of art. During the school
age years of her son, she always was anxious to help with home work when it involved some art assignment. In the
years following when family and work no longer required her complete attention, Marian began to see again the art in
nature and all things and feel the urgency to make art. After completing a career in real estate, the office became a
studio and things began to happen. With no formal art education, workshops, classes, and paint-outs served to
inspire and invigorate the soul of the artist again. All mediums were explored even though early paintings were done
in oils. Even sculpture and doll-making were of interest and done with some success.
Marian has improved her work over the years by attending workshops by professional artists including: Stephen
Quiller, Theda Rhea, Doug Dawson, Diane Maxey, Cathy McAnally Lubke, Ginger Test, Doug Prine, Susie Short,
Marilyn Houston (doll artist), John Pototschnik, Ann Templeton, Tom Lockhart , Jo Beck, Joseph Fettingis and
others. She has won many First Place ribbons and Best of Show Awards in area shows and exhibits. Three out of the
last five years, her work was selected into the juried Stars of Texas Show in Brownwood, Texas. Two of those
paintings sold. Marian works in watercolor, pastel, charcoal, oil and acrylics. The medium depends upon the
subject to be painted.
Entering local and area art shows gave inspiration to continue to improve in all areas of art. The past several
years, Ms. Johnson has begun to enter exhibitions and shows in a larger area, being accepted into juried shows. Her
watercolor painting "Blue Checks and Granny Smiths" was accepted into the Breckenridge 13th Fine Arts National
Show in 2004. "Spent Classics" a watercolor of still-life of empty coca cola bottle and wilted sunflowers was accepted
into Graham's Art on the Square Juried Art Show; the Brownwood Stars Show and the Fine Arts League Juried Show
in 2007. "Grandpa's New Fedora", a watercolor of a grandparent (Robert "Bob" Johnson) was accepted into the
Fiesta 2008 Juried Show, Susan Mansell, Juror; a charcoal "Frederick" was accepted into the Brownwood Stars
Juried Show 2009, Connolly Judge; the Fiesta Juried Show 2009 Susan Mansell, Juror; the Breckenridge 2010
International Juried Show, Nancy Bush, Juror.
Though art is still done for the fulfillment ('Art feeds the soul'), the excitement of being chosen to exhibit in juried
shows, gives a feeling of accomplishment. The greatest reward, states M. Johnson, is the fact that my grandchildren
now ask me to help with their school art projects. And they also make great models for me to paint!
Marian's philosophy regarding the creative process is "Do it for the joy of it. If it works and is well-received, great.
But if it pleases only me, then it's a successful endeavor. That and Don are all that matter at this stage of my life. "
web-site: pinkflamingoartstudio.com
email: mljdj@web-access.net
| Pink Flamingo Art Studio 1212 Commercial Ave. Coleman, Texas 76834 |
