Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it. ” – Andy Warhol

Monica Johnson

"Nature is my primary source of influence and I find beauty in the way that everything is connected. My art is an exploration of these connections and the complexity that exists within simplicity."

About Monica Johnson

Share this:

Artist Bio

Monica Johnson is an acrylic and mixed media painter based in Carmel, California. She was born in Monterey, CA and moved to Kansas at a young age, and returned to Monterey in her 20’s. She earned an associate of science degree in dental hygiene and later completed her licensure for massage therapy, and practiced both professions for 20 years. A few years ago, with rising life challenges, Monica began painting. She discovered she had a natural talent and affinity for creating imagery.

She committed to refining her painting skills, and has studied with several accomplished artists and teachers. Through this journey, she found her artistic voice in the rich tradition of abstract painting. Today she creates images that use earthy colors, rich texture, and organic composition to capture and translate the natural world and human experiences. The natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur wilderness is guiding her current work. She is expanding her work to large substrates (canvas and wood panels) to create the sensation of being surrounded by nature.

Artist Statement

As an artist, I am always searching for inspiration in the world around me. Nature is my primary source of influence and I find beauty in the way that everything is connected. My art is an exploration of these connections and the complexity that exists within simplicity.

My work is abstract so I strive to capture the essence of nature rather than its physical form. I capture the feeling of a moment, the emotion that is evoked when standing in a forest or watching the sunset over the ocean. I start my paintings by writing quotes or words on the canvas as a way to set an intention for the art. Marks are made from objects I’ve found in the forest and the beach; from leaves and bark, to feathers and bottle caps. I create my paintings with layers of acrylic paint, oil sticks, graphite, charcoal and collage that engage me in the moment, scraping back layers to reveal its history, then adding more layers. Through my art, I hope to convey this emotional connection to the natural world.

Simplicity is a key element of my work. I believe that there is beauty in the everyday, and I strive to capture it in my pieces. Even the most mundane objects can be transformed into something meaningful and impactful with the right perspective.

At its heart, my art is about finding a sense of calm in an otherwise hectic world. It is about being untethered from the chaos and finding a stillness within oneself. Through my work, I hope to create a space for reflection and introspection, allowing viewers to connect with nature and find a sense of peace within themselves.

Available Items by Monica Johnson

abstract painting blue and white

Monica Johnson Water’s Edge Acrylic 30×40 Painting

Description Monica Johnson Water’s Edge 1 Acrylic Abstract 30×40 Earthy Blue White Painting Note:  This painting is no longer available.  Contact us about commissioning a painting by this artist. Details Artist:  Monica Johnson Title: Water’s Edge 1 Image Size: 40″ tall x 30″ wide Framing:  Maple float-mount frame on gallery-wrapped

Learn More »
monica johnson abstract painting multicolor

Monica Johnson Closer Than You Think 24×24 Acrylic Painting

Description Monica Johnson Closer Than You Think Acrylic Abstract 24×24 Earthy Blue Painting Note:  This painting is no longer available.  Contact us about commissioning a painting by this artist. Details Artist:  Monica Johnson Title: Closer Than You Think Image Size: 24″ tall x 24″ wide Framing:  Natural basswood frame on

Learn More »
abstract painting orange blue

Monica Johnson Unity 16×20 Acrylic Painting

Description Monica Johnson Unity Acrylic Abstract 16×20 Earthy Orange Blue Painting Note:  This painting is no longer available.  Contact us about commissioning a painting by this artist. Details Artist:  Monica Johnson Title: Unity Image Size: 20″ tall x 16″ wide Framing:  Maple float-mount frame Frame Dimensions:  21″ tall x 17.5″

Learn More »
abstract acrylic orange copper painting

Monica Johnson Illuminate 16×20 Acrylic Painting

Description Monica Johnson Illuminate Acrylic Abstract 16×20 Earthy Orange Coppery Painting Note:  This painting is no longer available.  Contact us about commissioning a painting by this artist. Details Artist:  Monica Johnson Title: Illuminate Image Size: 20″ tall x 16″ wide Framing:  Maple float-mount frame Frame Dimensions:  21″ tall x 17.5″

Learn More »
abstract painting gold black pot urn

Monica Johnson Treasured Jewel 11×14 Acrylic Painting

Description Monica Johnson Treasured Jewel Acrylic Gold Leaf 11×14 Pottery Urn Painting Note:  This painting is no longer available.  Contact us about commissioning a painting by this artist. Details Artist:  Monica Johnson Title: Treasured Jewel Image Size: 14″ tall x 11″ wide Framing:  Black frame  Frame Dimensions:  15″ tall x

Learn More »

On eBay

This artist is also on eBay. Click here to visit their eBay page

Browse More Artists

Free Guide

20 Western art shows every artist and collector should know about​

Painting by Ritch Gaiti​

Stay updated with our collection and fine art news!

You’ll also get a free guide, “20 Western Art Shows Every Artist and Collector Should Know About”

Your privacy matters! Unsubscribe anytime.