'Tis the season for making and creating seasonal offerings and I've been thinking "Fall" for awhile now (not just the season, which I love, but Fall creations). On the right is a peek at one of those 'Fall creations' I've just completed.
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Joshua Johnston (sometimes spelled Johnson), is this Friday's "Passed" Painter of the Day. Joshua (1763-1824) was a Freeman, or freed slave who supported himself through his portrait paintings. 
Although there is no documentation, some think he may have been a house servant to another portrait painter, possibly Charles Wilson or Rembrandt Peale and learned from their work. Nonetheless, his talent speaks for itself.
There are 13 known works of his to date. And, perhaps to supplement his income, he worked as
a blacksmith as well. (I think I would have preferred painting over the job of a blacksmith!)
His backgrounds were usually painted in dark colors to contrast the softer shades of his subjects. Aren't Edward and Sarah Rutter sweet?
Not much is known about Joshua's life, he lived in and around the Baltimore area, but, according to the census, moved quite a bit. One thing is for sure, he was a gifted painter and others recognized his talent.
Have a wonderful 3-day weekend, and please stay safe!
Although there is no documentation, some think he may have been a house servant to another portrait painter, possibly Charles Wilson or Rembrandt Peale and learned from their work. Nonetheless, his talent speaks for itself.There are 13 known works of his to date. And, perhaps to supplement his income, he worked as
a blacksmith as well. (I think I would have preferred painting over the job of a blacksmith!)His backgrounds were usually painted in dark colors to contrast the softer shades of his subjects. Aren't Edward and Sarah Rutter sweet?
Not much is known about Joshua's life, he lived in and around the Baltimore area, but, according to the census, moved quite a bit. One thing is for sure, he was a gifted painter and others recognized his talent.
Have a wonderful 3-day weekend, and please stay safe!
Reference: 101 Masterpieces of American Primitive Painting, from the collection of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch © 1962
8 comments:
I think Bill Cosby owns some of his paintings. Very interesting as always!
Manueal
Yes, I read that too about Bill Cosby owning a few of his paintings. I'd love to visit his house!
I love when you post these. This is so wonderful to learn about.
Wishing you a lovely weekend, lots of time to paint!
Lidy
I LOVE that one! Your talent is amazing!
Carolyn
Oh, the little girl and the pumpkin is so sweet and vintage looking! You are always coming up with interesting subjects Suzanne.
Thanks Suzanne! All of my furniture falls into that category too! :-)
Suzanne, that little peek of your new creation is so sweet!
I enjoy reading about the artists!
Pat
Thank you for the lesson:o)! And thanks for the sneaky peeky of your pumpkin girl!
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