Dropping in from Orangevale, California, Aaron Johnson is an honored artist mostly known for his captivating realism and meticulous portrayal of classic automobiles, historic pop culture, and portraiture. Johnson's journey into the realm of art began with formal education at Sacramento City College, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree, honing his skills and laying the foundation for his future. He furthered his artistic pursuits at the prestigious California College of the Arts in San Francisco, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, solidifying his commitment to excellence in the arts.
Inspired by a blend of timeless influences including the works of Fred Dalkey, Robert Bechtle, Norman Rockwell, and Salvador Dali, Johnson's artistic style seamlessly marries realism with a deep appreciation for classic aesthetics and cultural icons. His evocative portrayals of classic automobiles and nostalgic pop culture subjects resonate with viewers, transporting them to a time and place of their own recollection and regard.
Johnson's artistic skill has been recognized through numerous gallery shows and awards, with notable exhibitions at prestigious automobile venues such as the Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance and Ironstone Vineyards Concourse d'Elegance, as well as inclusion into the esteemed Crocker Kingsley Art Competition, Sacramento/Roseville, Ca. He has been represented by and featured in esteemed galleries including the Christopher Hill Gallery in St. Helena, CA, Musichead Gallery Los Angeles, CA, Fire and Rain Gallery in Folsom, CA, Wonderland SF and 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco, Edward Montgomery Gallery in Carmel Ca., Kolaj Fest, New Orleans, La., Gualala Arts Gualala, Ca. (Whalalala), Walnut St Gallery, Fort Collins Co. and Museum of Northern California Artist, Chico Ca.
Johnson's work has found a place of honor in private collections and galleries alike. Noteworthy accolades are seen in Johnson's time, including Judges Choice awards at the Ironstone Vineyards 2023 Spring Obsession show and the 2023 KVIE Art Auction Judges Choice in the figurative category. His commitment to artistic excellence is further underscored by the inclusion of his work in the permanent collection at Sacramento City College.
Driven by a need for learning, continual growth and exploration, Aaron Johnson eagerly embraces new opportunities to expand his artistic horizons and share his vision. He ventured out of his zone with a retro nod to animation through a series of stop motion videos constructed of cut paper. Thirty frames per second. This also includes new sculptural work in the form of playable skateboard slide guitars. These handcrafted works have been displayed at the famed, "Skate Show" at 111Minna Gallery and "Open Decks" at KALW Studio, both in San Francisco, Ca. They are currently available at, "Skate Fair" with Siy Gallery, Atelier Showroom in San Bruno, Ca. and, through them, other Northern California venues.
New paintings in progress!!!