ARTIST’S TECHNIQUE

Johansen’s signature portraits begin as realistic representations of his subjects.  He then encourages his paints to move on the surface so that they take on an ethereal expression of their own, transcending reality into a deeper dimension.  He directs the paints to run and drip until the very essence of his subject weeps from the painting, resulting in his contemporary, interpretive style. Using a single source light on his models, Johansen stretches the differential between light and shadow well beyond the norm to create that dramatic effect which epitomizes his unique style.  To add further drama, he applies pure pigment creating unparalleled color intensity, the hallmark of his art.  The pose of his subject also communicates emotional drama—the tilt of the head, the slump of a shoulder, the cast of the eyes.  Sometimes the eyes are in full view, hauntingly revealing the most naked emotions.  At other times the absence of the eyes is just as powerful.  Johansen often includes the hands in a pose, noting that the hands symbolize the creativity of mankind and are often an integral part of the manifestation of one’s innermost feelings.  

Johansen has often been called “an artist’s artist.”  He encourages other artists to seek their own uniqueness and follow their own passions.  Certainly Johansen has done just that in his own art!