Neighbour of Note: Janice Johnston “My mother was an artist and both of my grandmothers painted as well. I guess it was always happening around me and it was a natural thing to study and practice,” explains Janice Johnston. “As an adult, I attended H.B. Beal in the Arts Foundation Program in the late 90s. I have since obtained a Masters in Film, specifically documentaries and teach at both Fanshawe College and Conestoga College in a variety of design related courses. I am a theatre set designer for local theatre and approach much of my work in a theatre way, using that kind of dramatic lighting.” Janice says her approach to painting is theatrical because “I try to create drama visually, and tell stories through my art and create moods. Even ‘empty’ scenes have life, light and shadows.” She paints a variety of subjects, mostly in watercolour and gouache. “I always paint from personal experiences and take photos of things I find interesting. I am really interested in light and shadow, so I mostly go out in early morning or dusk to get long exaggerated shadows. I have a series of birds and nature, and in that case I take my camera out and look for birds. I never paint from images that aren’t ones I took myself. My urban sketches are done while sitting in the place I am painting, which I find energetic and I love the constant change.” “I love nature and the organic shapes and colors in that palette, but I also love urban environments and watching people so I feel like I have a few different series that have different themes, but I do think they have a similar look,” she continues.
‘Overpass’ (Wortley at York ) and ‘Dawn in Wortley’, a morning view up Askin Street towards Wortley Road. Left, a Heron at the Coves
Janice, who resides in Wortley Village, says she loves spending time examining things and reinterpreting them in her own way. “Painting slows you down and helps you notice things, so that’s what motivates me. I also think that my study of documentary film trained me to look at stories and people with curiosity, so that is something I use as well.”
To aspiring artists, Janice (pictured at left) advises: “Don’t let yourself get caught up in what other people are doing. Stay curious and explore. As one of my teachers said, ‘if you want to be an artist, make art.’” Visit j.j.art_media on Instagram to see more.
Page 12 Wortley Villager • June 2025
To advertise here, please contact Cathy@villagerpublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs