Featured Local Artists

Featured Local Artists in Platte Collections Art Gallery

Current Featured Artist: Al B Johnson

Featured Artist July & August

• Colorado Springs Local Artist

• Acrylic Paint, Canvas & Cradleboard

• Described as "Techno Tribal Expressionism"

• Paints using brushes & geometric style
  with matte black and vibrant color.

Artist Statement:
"While raising three daughters as a single parent, I taught karate, raced motorcycles, worked as an engineer, and ran a horse farm. All along I made art, but I never dared try to support myself with it. That’s changed in the past few years.

Today I'm an artist and a teacher of abstract expressionism at Cottonwood Center for the Arts.
I also identify myself as a student, and always will. I think it’s essential to constantly expand your abilities and master new technique.

Having spent years studying the abstract expressionists, I am influenced by their styles and approaches. I'm also influenced, of course, by my own experiences. Out of that mashup comes work that I call "techno-tribal expressionism.” You can find examples in my Cottonwood studio, and at other galleries and shows around the Colorado Springs area."

Biography:

Al B Johnson is truly one of the most interesting artists in the Colorado Springs area. His unique approach to incorporating action, energy and abstract thinking into each composition have shaped his signature style without confining him to specific styles or genres. Al B's ability to separate each piece from the last creates a style all his own, allowing his work to cover any of his vibrant fields of interest.

Chances are likely you’re already familiar with his work, it is from his time as the driving force behind Cottonwood’s beautiful galleries, coveted artist studios and successful exhibitions. Al B's dedication to Cottonwood is clear from the moment you step inside the doors, and his commitment as a teacher, and student. His artistic approach to maintenance and design are best described as human-centered, always considering the needs of the guests and artists and incorporating them into whatever project he is working on. Al B's self expression and ever-evolving style are a sight to behold in each unique piece.