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State Street Gallery Featured Artist
Gayle Bradley-Johnson
As a resident of northern Wisconsin, I have been greatly influenced by the emotions I experience while observing and contemplating nature. The content of my paintings lies beyond the visible features of forest, rocks and water. My intention is to convey a sense of the spiritual presence in the flowing water, the stability of rocks and mystery of the forest trees and the stolidity of the ground below. I would like my viewers to enjoy a woodland meditation when observing my paintings. I especially like painting the forest and its surroundings. The contrast between snow and the forest shadows on a sunny cold winter day intrigues me; the exuberant fall colors excite me and the variety of greens in the light and shadow of the spring time and the summer months challenge me. Sometimes I depict nature realistically and other times more abstractly. Most often I work from the photographs that I take as I hike, bike or cross county ski, but I also paint outdoors or from memory with a little imagination thrown in. My paint is usually acrylic or oil on canvas.
For many years my work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and has won numerous awards. In 2005 my painting received an Award of Excellence in the Midwest Winter Exhibition at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau, Wisconsin. In 2004 my work received the Open Armoire Honorable Mention at the Three Eagle Trail Art Gala Exhibition in Three Lakes, Wisconsin and an Honorable Mention in the 39th Annual Manito Art League Exhibit in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.
After teaching art for thirty-six years, I have retired and am able to channel all my creative energy into my own work. Having taught at North Park University in Chicago for twenty-four years, I am considered an Emeritus Professor of Art. My masters degree is from the University of Maryland and my BFA is from the University of Denver. Local art groups have asked me to give a few workshops, so I am still able to enjoy some teaching. After living in three large cities, I now live in the woods of north central Wisconsin with my husband and a sheltie named peanut. I enjoy being close to nature and spend many hours hiking, biking and cross country skiing in the woodlands.
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