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!