Nebraska Western

Spaces: New Images of the West

photography & paintings by Doug Johnson & Monte Mickley

Oct. 6^th- 31^st, 2006

Opening Reception: Friday, Oct. 6^th  6-9 p.m.

We ask you to please join us for a month of viewing, collecting and enjoying this high quality artwork. Against the Wall Gallery is open Mon., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 10am to 5pm.; Tues. and Thurs. from 10am to 7pm.  We are located in Lincoln’s Historic Havelock area at 6220 Havelock Avenue. Please contact us at (402) 467-3484 or e-mail us at u a t w (at) a l l t e l (dot) n e t . Doug and Monte have additional information and images at their website, www.artintegrated.com.

Monte Mickley is an artist who takes a special interest in creating landscape photography and paintings. He studied under California artists John Carlander, known for his photorealistic paintings, and Tony Askew, known for his abstract landscape paintings. In addition to his professors, Monte has been influenced as an artist by his late father Marshall, an architect; mother Carrol, a photography enthusiast; artists Christo, Ansel Adams, and Doug Johnson; graphic designer Clinton Carlson; and the Creator. The following art movements have had an impact on his work: Early American Landscape Paintings, The Bauhaus and Post Modernism.

Monte's favorite fine art mediums to work with are photography, water colors, acrylics, and modern materials. He counts his landscape artwork and abstract sculptures as his finest works. His works often reflect an aspect of drama or silence. "One of an artist's roles is making objects that become springboards for reflection or interaction. I view art as a creative exchange; as the communication of a dynamic which is not fully understood. I find landscape photography to be one of the simplest and most aesthetic forms of this communication. If I don't actively choose to have awareness of my surroundings, I can easily disregard the places I find myself in. I don't want my mind's eye to stay separated from landscapes that cause me to wonder. So, I look for opportunities to take photos of landscapes that are attractive to me."

Monte has a Bachelors of Art in Art from Westmont College and works as a technical writer.

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"Whatever your hand finds to do,
do it with all your might, for in
the grave, where you are going,
there is neither working nor planning
nor knowledge nor wisdom."
Ecclesiastes 9:10

These words are hanging on the wall of Doug Johnson's painting room.

Doug is a life long resident of Grand Island, Nebraska. As a child, he spent many hours drawing pictures. He was encouraged to do so by his family. Especially his father and great aunt. So his interest in art was sparked.Though he only paints part-time now he has worked steadily for over twenty years.

The majority of his paintings are Nebraska landscapes. He feels that this subject has garnered wide appeal and it withstands the test of time. Toward this end, Doug has been inspired by three other painters from central Nebraska. They are Hal Holoun, Ernest Oschner and Keith Lowry. Most of Doug's subject matter is similar to theirs, but his style is probably more idealized, and the chroma of his work is somewhat brighter. Most of his paintings are of a recognizable place. Many times, he will take several reference photographs of a scene from various points of view. Then he paints a picture as a composite of these different viewpoints. As he paints, he really concentrates on craftsmanship, with a strong emphasis on beauty, order and design. He starts with a basic underpainting, and proceeds, step by step, breaking the composition down into smaller and smaller elements or details.

Regarding technique, Doug employs quite a bit of glazing. Then as a painting progresses, he will use thicker strokes of paint, applying them in a careful manner that appears sharp and crisp. The latter is a sort of calligraphic pointillism that provides a contrast to the glazing.

"My pictures have been critiqued as showing good draftsmanship." Doug remembers, "I consider this a great compliment, because my father was a skilled architect. It made me proud."

Doug's formal art education began in the early 1970's under a fine high school art teacher named Dave Young, who is now a full-time sculptor. Mr. Young helped Doug earn a few art scholarships to Kearney State College, where his training advanced after high school. Since then Doug is self-trained.

Doug has participated in some art shows and competitions over the years. He is grateful to have received a number of awards at such shows.

click on images to see more of their work