Meet Trailblazer Johanna Harmon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Johanna Harmon.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Johanna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in a modest single-parent home in Arizona, and spent my early childhood designing and recording visual observations of the world around me in frequent solitude. Creating art became my constant companion and a source of joy at a time when there wasn’t much else to count on. It was during this time, I discovered my inner strength and learned to trust my instincts while navigating many challenges until the opportunity for an education and life in the arts was possible two decades later. The time spent yearning to realize my dream only fueled my enthusiasm when I finally had the opportunity to study oil painting alongside prominent portrait and figure artists with varied artistic philosophies and approaches at the Scottsdale Artists’ School (SAS) in Arizona, the Fechin Art Institute in New Mexico, and at the Art Students League of Denver in Colorado.

In 2001, I moved to Colorado and spent the first year freely creating a body of work, entered my first competition, received my first award of excellence, and unexpectedly received gallery representation officially launching my full-time painting career. Since then, my work has been published in prominent magazines and presented in numerous solo, group and nationally juried exhibitions where I’ve been honored to receive many prestigious awards from the Portrait Society of America (PSoA), Art Renewal Center, California Art Club, SAS, and my most treasured achievement of being the first artist to receive two Gold Medals in Oil Painters of America’s National Exhibition history. I also teach workshops encouraging those who are eager to manifest their own creative paths.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to discover my visual voice was definitely not a smooth one. When I initially made the commitment to paint full-time, I was filled with endless motivation to manifest my dream to paint, but was surprised to discover my own busy mind restlessly standing in the way. Every time I picked up a brush and place it on the canvas, the noise of fear and a lifetime of challenges rushed in and became obstacles that required a deeper understanding and compassion for myself and others. Observing and changing my internal dialogue helped clear the path to create an unimpeded connection to what I was creating. It takes a lot of hard work to form a solid foundation strong enough to support a smooth road. Find your voice to claim your power and the reward can be a naturally revealed path authentically your own with a few beautifully unexpected detours along the way.

I think it’s important for women to realize that every day provides another opportunity to discover your voice, to plant your feet with newfound confidence and change the narrative; not only with yourself but with other women. In some way, isolation in my youth and growing up with brothers who made me feel limitless slowed my awareness of society’s established limitations on women. Now that I’m awake, it’s impossible to ignore the importance of genuinely supporting, encouraging and learning from each other collectively as women.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I’m known for emotive figurative and portraiture oil paintings of women, men and children, utilizing sophisticated color and design. Since I don’t believe in superficial relationships, I’m most proud of having an authentic relationship with my models. With the power of their trust and commitment to sharing who they are, I’m inspired to expressively render their outer beauty and radiate their inner warmth, organically creating an unspoken dialogue with the viewer.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Books:

“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron

“The Art Spirit” by Robert Henri

Contact Info:

• Website: www.johannaharmon.com – Please sign up for my email newsletter to receive news on Upcoming Events
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johannaharmon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohannaHarmonArt

Image Credit:
Sara Garcia

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