About the Artist

S L Johnson

the boatbuilder's daughter

Sharon Johnson | Artist Biography

Sharon's paintings invite viewers to notice the beauty of the world around them, reflect on its source, and recognize the importance of protecting it. 

Sharon Johnson is a realist painter whose work is shaped by the sea, maritime traditions, and the stories that give places their emotional resonance.  A lifelong artist and the daughter of a boatbuilder, she developed an early connection to boats and the water through a family history of boatbuilders and sea captains.  She learned many skills from her father and mentor, continued her education at the New England College of Art and Design, and studied with fellow artists. Although her work is rooted in traditional realism, she often understates details to create a sense of mystery and invite viewers to bring their own interpretations to each painting.   A story usually lies behind every work.  She also finds inspiration in family, her garden, music, and travel.  Sharon spent most of her life near the ocean in New England or in cities across the country ,including Alaska, before settling on Bainbridge Island to be close to her daughter and son-in-law.  After many years of working in galleries, art consulting, and luxury retail, she recently retired to devote her energy fully to creating art.  

Selected press:                                                                                                                                                                           Sharon's work has been featured in American Art Collector magazine in the following issues:                                                                June 2011, September 2011, "Landscape Art", June 2013; March 2018; June 2018, "Maritime Memories";                                      June 2019; and July 2019.                                                                                                                                                     Professional affiliations include:                                                                                                                                                              Member of American Society of Marine Artists                                                                                                                                   Member of Oil Painters of America                                                                                                                                                   Member of Puget Sound Group of Northwest Artists                                                                                                                       Member of Plymouth Center for the Arts                                                                                                                                         Juried Artist Member of the Cape Cod Art Center                                                                                                                             Member of the Copley Society of Art in Boston, MA                                                                                                                         Member of the National Association of Women Artists                                                                                                                           Recent Exhibitions:                                                                                                                                                                                   "Boston to Bainbridge" exhibition of works at the Bainbridge Island Public Library, 2025