Rachael Johnson

I have been exploring and creating for over 30 years but more recently have been focusing on my passion for painting with elements of mixed media.

My work at the moment is inspired by time spent in other countries and by my adventures, experiences and the treasures I have collected along the way. Balinese masks, Indian batiks, Sumatran wedding saris - you name it!

Like the best adventures, my paintings start with no real destination in mind. I begin by exploring with colour and mark making, building up layers which often have exciting and unexpected results. Over time, characters emerge, and take on a life of their own.

My experience of growing up by the river and sea in Cornwall has recently bubbled to the surface and inspired me to create a series of abstract boats. They have a shabby, run down look to them as this reflects my experience of working alongside my shipwright dad sanding, scraping, painting and varnishing old wooden boats. I’ve tried to capture the essence of these boats using collage paper I have printed, mixed with acrylic paint, applied and scraped with various tools to get the effects I am after.

They have been a joy to make as it has brought back so many lovely childhood memories.

Boat in a moonlit harbour painted in acrylics with added collage of handprinted paper. 

Acrylic & Mixed Media on Board

45x45cm

Framed in a white handmade St Ives style frame