Dana Johnson

"I can't even draw a straight line" is a
very common saying most of us will use
to excuse our lack of creative energy, at
least once in our lifetime. But the careful
observation of our surroundings gives us
the ability to "really see" beyond straight
lines.

After moving from Midland, Texas as a
teenager, to the beautiful Ozarks, I
discovered that I had found my true
home. Upon graduating from
Yellville-Summit High School, I married
and worked at various jobs while pursing
my own interest in art. As my family
matured, I attended classes in Art
Education at North Arkansas
Community Technical College.

My artistic experiences have primarily developed from the continuous absorption and
observations of my ever-changing surroundings. I attribute much of my success and inherited
talent to Jo Rowell. Mrs. Rowell is a distinguished and successful instructor as well as being
my mother and mentor.

Having had the pleasure of using my creative nature to illustrate brochures for local
businesses and also designing floor plans for many individuals, I still enjoy the new
challenges of painting portraits of family pets, designing logos, murals, and bill board signs. I
did not really begin to get involved into fine art until by family and friends urged me to
participate in the many area art shows. It was this encouragement that furthered my quest
into serious painting. I have ventured into many mediums, such as oils, pen and ink, china
painting and watercolor. However, the pastel medium has become the most satisfying, thus
my favorite. The detail and texture that can be achieved with the pastel medium are endless.

I have achieved many rewards with my creations not only in expressions, but in
acknowledgements of my piers through art exhibits and competitions. I have received
recognitions and numerous awards in the following competitions:
*Palette Art League sponsored Art Shows,Yellville, AR *The Harrison Art Guild, Harrison, AR
*The Artist in the Forest, Sherwood, AR *Bull Shoals Arts and Humanities, Bull Shoals, AR
*Ozark Art Alliance, Siloam Springs, AR *Area Art Club, Mtn. Home, AR
*Forsyth Art Guild, Forsyth, MO *Theodosia Art Show, Theodosia, MO
*Arkansas Federation of Wildlife, Little Rock, AR

To purchase one of Dana's pieces, click here!