It was a dream of mine to visit Alaska. Ever since some family moved up there about 5 years ago, I have wanted to visit. My wife and I, along with our 1-year-old toddler, flew to Anchorage from Phoenix on a hot summer August day. The weather in Alaska was forecasted to be chilly and rainy. My sister picked us …
Grand Canyon Celebration of Art: The Experience
The 10 days at the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art were rewarding! It was a dream to wake up every day to get up and paint one of the natural wonders! The Grand Canyon has a special place in my heart ever since backpacking there as a 13 year old and returning again and again to hike there, be inspired, …
16th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art, September 7, 2024 to January 20, 2025
You are invited to the 16th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art! Plein air painting begins on Saturday September, 7 and continues through September 14, 2024. I am super excited to return to this amazing event at one of my favorite places on earth! The exhibition of paintings from the event remains on display at the Kolb Studio near the …
Plein Air Painting in the Pacific Northwest
Every summer, we travel to the Northwest to visit family and enjoy cooler weather. We also planned to visit a few new places. I lugged my plein air backpack along most excursions to enjoy fresh challenges of less familiar scenery. We drove up to Paradise in the Rainier National Park to be surprised by the abundance of snow still up …
50th Annual Phippen Museum Western Art Show in downtown Prescott, AZ – May 25-27, 2024
Russell Johnson will be participating once again in this extremely popular annual art event. The weekend art show features some of the most outstanding Western artists in America today, all seeking the recognition, pride, and prestige this show provides. Find Russell at booth number 72 near the Northwest corner of the Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott, AZ. Many western enthusiasts, …
2024 Russell Johnson Studio Spring Cleaning Sale at The Frame & I
It’s that time of year to do some spring cleaning! Russell Johnson is once again having a Studio Spring Cleaning Sale at The Frame & I Art Gallery at 229 W. Gurley St in downtown Prescott, AZ. Enjoy 50% off original paintings now on display until supplies last or until April 27, 2024. This is a great time to add …
Backpacking Hermit Trail to Granite Rapids
I acquired a permit to hike the Grand Canyon in July, excited to backpack once again at this amazing place. This would end up being a family trip with two of my brothers, some of their kids, a friend, and a niece. It’s always fun to have new hikers along, to experience the excitement and impressions of being inside the …
Hiking the West Fork Trail for Fall Colors
The West Fork Trail of Oak Creek Canyon just north of Sedona in Arizona, is one of my favorites. Apparently, it’s everyone’s favorite! We arrived to the trailhead parking lot at 8:00 in the morning and scored one of the last parking spots. Cars park along the roadway about 1/2 mile away and it’s possible to walk in. Even with …
The Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
With much excitement and anticipation, I attended my first year at the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art! I was able to camp near the South Rim for nine days and get out to paint every day. This was a dream! As an artist, there doesn’t seem to be enough time to paint…. so this was a great opportunity to enjoy …
The Prescott Area Studio Tour is October 6-8, 2023
Welcome to the Annual Prescott Area Studio Tour happening October 6-8, 2023, 10am to 4pm each day. I am excited to be part of this wonderful event in Prescott at Studio #4. I will once again be set up in downtown Prescott at 105 S. Granite St, which is the backroom of my workplace, The Frame & I. I plan …