Kelly Johnston holds a BFA in Painting from the University of Washington. Growing up she loved drawing and painting but when she went to college she thought Graphic Design would be a more practical major. However, she never lasted long in the program. This is because she wanted to create everything by hand rather than using a computer, so she switched to Studio Art. In addition to painting, she has created a line of handmade jewelry and has worked in the interior design industry. In 2013 she returned to painting and has since exhibited her work at Anthropologie, West Elm, the Bloedel Reserve, and numerous other places in the Pacific Northwest. Recently she was featured in HGTV Magazine, Design Magazine, Luxe Interiors, and can also be seen in Domino Magazine. She lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington with her two children and husband. Kelly is inspired by the vibrant colors native to the Pacific Northwest.
From the coral shades and pastel lavender of a Cascade Mountain sunrise, to the golden, green and rich blue tones of the San Juan Islands, she is continually inspired by her surroundings. While raising her family, the artist had focused on making jewelry, but has returned to her creative first love - painting. Kelly has dabbled in many other creative avenues but she feels the most artistically complete when she’s painting. She’s always wanted to be an artist but it’s been a winding journey to get where she’s today. She became comfortable calling herself an artist only recently. But the quality of her work is of someone who has been in the arts industry for several years.
