Key West Artist Robert Johnson's new exhibit of paintings opens Monday, Jan. 31, at Gingerbread Square Gallery, with a reception 6:30-9 p.m. The show will continue through Feb. 7.
Robert James Johnson was born in 1962 in Ontario, Canada, the youngest son of successful inventor William G. Johnson. Having been taught and encouraged to draw at an early age, his passion for art was always obvious and has become his lifelong obsession. He is a self-taught painter but he has an extensive drawing background. He has studied human figure and still life and has trained in both mechanical and architectural drafting.
A dedicated outdoors-man, Robert first arrived in Key West after pedaling his bike from Jacksonville when he was 18 years old. He fell in love with Key West, returned when he was 20 and has lived here ever since.
For the last 15 years, he has devoted his time to become a better painter and is constantly inspired by the beauty of the Florida Keys and Key West and its fascinating surroundings. His paintings of Key West houses, underwater scenes and marine scenes are masterfully executed and sparkle with light and color.
Johnson works at his craft, painting his street scenes on site in his "Old Town Key West" neighborhood where much of his favorite architecture is within blocks of his home.
His paintings are in collections throughout the U.S. and many countries abroad.
Gingerbread Square Gallery is located uptown at 1207 Duval St. The gallery is open daily 10-10. Info: 296-8900.