"Out of The Blue"

Here's a highlight from this past year. "Out of The Blue" received a second place award at the Taos Fall Arts Festival this past September.

"Out of The Blue", 30" x 30", oil on canvas

I was honored and thrilled to get this award, and was so glad to have a chance to speak with the juror at the opening reception.

Here's what the juror, Andrea Pichaida had to say:

"'Out of The Blue'. What a beautiful composition where light, shadows, shapes and color play together to transport the viewer into a world of dance, happiness with music, warmth and togetherness. Well done!"

She told me had it fit the theme of the show better, she would have given it first place, the theme being "Of Heaven and Earth". Have I mentioned that I won't paint to themes! My artwork is intuitive, I never know where I am going when I start, I let the painting take me where it needs to go. For me, that's the way to create my strongest art.

Sadly, the Taos Fall Arts Festival has been cancelled this year due to Covid-19. We can all hope it takes place in 2021! Stay safe!

"Sink into my art and be transported."
To view more of my work, visit: www.lydiajohnston.com

"Scratching the Surface" - Opening Reception September 26th, 6-9 pm

"Scratching the Surface", Oil Paintings by Lydia Johnston and Ceramics by Lori St. Pierre will be on view at NAACO Gallery in North Adams, MA from September 26th through November 25th. Please join us for the opening reception Thursday, September 26th from 6-9 pm.

"Take Me In", 24" x 30", oil on linen

My newest group of oil paintings are infused with vibrant color and incorporate printed patterns and carved lines. Some of the paintings for this show have an arched wall or trellis with flowers, from which you look out across an intriguing landscape. A number of smaller pieces have an urban sensibility created by overlaying printed patterns.

"Red Winds", 9" x 8", oil on linen

I am working with wide color shapers, instead of brushes, that give my work its distinctive look. In addition, I am carving marks into the wet paint with the edge of these tools, as well as printing patterns on the surface.

"Gotham One", 15" x 11", oil on linen

My paintings in this show are complemented by Lori St. Pierre's new ceramics which revolve around texture and incised patterns.

Lori St. Pierre, bowl

NAACO Gallery is located at 33 Main Street, North Adams, MA (diagonally across from MASS MoCA). 413-664-4003. Gallery Hours: Monday, Wednesday thru Saturday 11-6 pm, Sunday 12-4 pm, closed Tuesday.

Lydia Johnston - Meet the Artist Reception

Please join us for a Meet the Artist Reception on Saturday August 25th from 1 - 5pm. The reception will be held at the Lenox Gallery of Fine Art, 69 Church Street in Lenox, MA. Light refreshments will be served.

"Laden with Flowers", 20" x 16", oil on canvas

Lydia Johnston - Meet the Artist Reception

Please join us for a Meet the Artist Reception on Saturday August 20th from 1 - 5pm. The reception will be held at the Lenox Gallery of Fine Art, 69 Church Street in Lenox, MA. Light refreshments will be served.


"From the Field", 20" x 16", oil on canvas

I will be showing a number of my new series of vertical flower paintings. Each has underlying vertical and horizontal panels of color over which a vase with flowers is interwoven. They are full of rich vibrant colors and lots of energy.

Come visit and see some of these vertical pieces as well as many of my meadow paintings.

Opening Reception, Saturday September 18th, 5-8pm

"Autumn Fields", 16" x 16", oil on linen, Lydia Johnston


Please join us for the opening reception Saturday, September 18th from 5-8pm at the Bennington Arts Guild. The exhibit will run from September 18th until October 11th. I will be showing pieces from my "Sky Sonata" series as well as some of my flower paintings.

Each month the Bennington Arts Guild invites two artists to exhibit in their guest gallery. I will be showing my oil paintings along with potter, Ray Bub, who will be exhibiting his ceramic art. For more information about the Lydia Johnston - Ray Bub exhibition, please visit Guest Gallery Opening.


"The Old Barn", 20" x 30", oil on canvas

The Bennington Arts Guild Gallery is located at 103 South Street at the Four Corners intersection of Downtown Bennington. It is a cooperative gallery run by artists from Bennington and the surrounding communities, open daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information call 802-442-7838 or visit Bennington Arts Guild.

Meet the Artist Reception

Please join us for a Meet the Artist Reception on Saturday August 21st from 1 - 5pm. The reception will be held at the Lenox Gallery of Fine Art, 69 Church Street in Lenox, MA. Light refreshments will be served.


"Dreaming of Flowers V", 20" x 16", oil on canvas

Some of my newest meadow paintings will be on view, many in my ongoing "Gem series", as well as a new group of smaller paintings, "Dreaming of Flowers". These paintings are filled with a profusion of flowers, full of rich, vibrant colors.