Were excited to have Brittany Johnson as this months featured artist! Check out her work and read her interview to get to know more about her!
Brittany Johnson
AoA – How long have you been an Austin based artist and how did you find your way here?
Brittany – I moved here blindly in 2016 on a whim and soon after became immersed in the Austin art community. I began painting murals in 2018 at Hope Outdoor Gallery and the more I painted the more I wanted to paint. I left my career in healthcare completely a year and a half ago to pursue art full time.
AoA – When did you realize that you were an artist?
Brittany – I knew I was an artist as a child. I always loved painting and specifically, I always loved painting people. I think because I have always loved people in general, I can connect with them more by painting portraits. However, I did not realize I could make a career out of painting, until I started doing murals and moved to Austin. I am so inspired by the artists in our community, who have served as role models for me and changed my whole perspective of what it means to be an artist.
AoA – Can you speak to your art training?
Brittany – I studied studio art in college with a minor in psychology as I initially wanted to pursue art therapy. I enjoyed learning how to oil paint the most. Although I got side tracked and worked as an occupational therapist assistant for many years after, I believe my initial training in oil paints still helps my process with murals today. I would love to take more formal oil painting classes again in Austin to strengthen my skills.
AoA – Where do you find inspiration?
Brittany – Everywhere. Cities traveled and public art. Instagram. Nature. Color. Humans.
AoA – What is your work concerned with?
Brittany – I’m still figuring out what I want to say with my art and learning something new everytime I paint. And as I go through life I think this will change as I change. I love colors, I love portraits and I love messages about finding your purpose, because art has truly brought me back to life. I want to connect with people and I want to bring joy with my pieces even if there is no other purpose than that.
AoA – What are your preferred medium(s)?
Brittany – Spray paint for murals and oil paint for studio pieces.
AoA – Can you talk a little about your creative processes?
Brittany – It starts with an idea. Then depending on the wall, I decide what kind of image or reference photos I will need for this idea. Usually I will use a photo I have taken, or arrange to take a photo of a friend or model. I then use procreate to mock up a sketch and then use a doodle grid to scale the piece on the wall.
AoA – Do you have any feelings towards Digital Art versus traditional mediums?
Brittany – I love traditional mediums way more. I am a very sensory oriented person and like to feel the tools and paint with my hands. I use digital art or procreate only as a tool for making mural mocks or playing around with ideas. I think creating digitally lacks the tactile feedback that I enjoy the most about painting.
AoA – Who are some artists that you look to?
Brittany – All of them. This is a hard question because I really love so many different styles and mediums and they each inspire me and wake up a different part of my brain. Off the top of my head a few favorites are Natalia Rak, Drew Merrit, Emily Ding and Rosie Woods.
AoA – If you could own 1 piece from a living artist, who would it be?
Brittany – Rosie Woods. Her iridescent cloth pieces are sooo beautiful and calming.
AoA – Big question. What do you feel the role of art is in the world?
Brittany – Joy. Art makes so many people happy. It also helps people work through emotions and live more fully.
AoA – What else do you enjoy besides making art?
Brittany – Hanging with my dog Charlie! Also playing the piano is a big passion for me.
AoA – Where can we currently find your work?
Brittany – Instagram or my website www.brittpaintsalot.com. Otherwise around town! No shows planned but stay tuned for lots more murals.
AoA – Any final advice for all the artists reading out there?
Brittany – Just do it! Paint and keep painting. Ask questions and don’t be afraid. Don’t compare yourself. We are always learning and getting better and you have to start somewhere. And it’s never too late to start.
Connect with Brittany!