Hi. Mary here again. Here’s the second half of my interview with Cathy Johnson. Also, check out Cathy’s blog and website for more fun news and information.

How long have you been painting, and how did you get started in painting?  Since I was two, apparently--when somebody gave me some Prangs!  I got started SERIOUSLY painting in my 30s...and discovered John Pike's books.  John also became a bit of a mentor, so I've been very fortunate!

How would you describe your style of painting?  Loosely representational?  Unless I'm in a contemplative mood, doing a botanical, then I might get quite detailed.  Truthfully, I don't think I HAVE a style, though people say they can recognize my work.

What’s your favorite subject matter?  Nature, animals, people...light...

Where do you get your inspiration for your paintings?  All around me!  I want to paint and sketch constantly.  Textures, color, and again, light...they all catch my eye, delight and challenge me.

You’re latest book features watercolor painting instruction. Do you paint in other mediums beside watercolor?  Yes, watercolor pencil, acrylics and some gouache.  I also draw and sketch a lot--always seem to come back to watercolors, though, they're my first love.  That transparency and unpredictability--that sense of jumping out of an airplane, only relatively safely since the ground is closer!

So you’ve written several books. How many have you written and do you also teach?  I've written 33 in all—some natural history, some history.  I own a very small publishing company, more or less a one-woman operation, though I have published books by two other authors.  These are mostly history and reenacting-oriented.  Of course the 33 doesn't count the other 7-8 "almost finished" projects I have in the hopper.  Some of them have been "almost finished" for years now!

And yes, I've taught off and on for 25 years or so.  I used to host workshops here in Missouri, but teaching and organizing is a bit much!

Where are some of the places you have taught?  The Nevada Watercolor Society has invited me there several times; I've taught at the Maine Coast Workshops, in Arkansas, Kansas, and of course all over Missouri.  When the Sierra Club had their first international Summit in 2005 in San Francisco, I spoke on drawing and painting nature.  In fact, I am turning my presentation into one of my slideshow CDs, with the Sierra Club's blessing!

What is your latest book that you’re currently working on?  That would be the Watercolor Tricks and Techniques, 21st Century style.  It will use some of the earlier works, and a LOT of new materials, surfaces, supplies and approaches.  I'm having a ball!  I really do love what I do.

Sunset

Watercolor on Strathmore cold-pressed paper

5" x 7" (13cm x 18cm)