Mitchell Johnson’s Large-Scale Paintings Exhibited in Two San Francisco Shows
San Francisco is set to host two highly anticipated art exhibitions showcasing the large-scale works of Bay Area artist Mitchell Johnson. As 2026 begins, art enthusiasts can expect to engage with Johnson’s vibrant and evocative paintings that explore landscapes with a unique blend of abstraction and realism.
The first exhibition, “Large New England Landscapes (Selected Paintings 2008-2025),” will be displayed at 425 Market Street. This collection focuses on New England scenes, highlighting areas like Cape Porpoise, Maine, and Cape Cod. Through his distinct use of color and form, Johnson captures the essence of these landscapes where he has frequented since 2005.
The second exhibition, “Giant Abstract and Landscape Works (Selected Paintings 2012-2025),” will take place at 555 California Street. It will feature 11 large canvases, including the newly completed “Race Point Bench” (2026), which draws inspiration from the works of Giorgio de Chirico and Giorgio Morandi. This exhibition will also showcase Johnson’s internationally influenced pieces like “Tokyo” (2012-2014), inspired by his travels in Japan, alongside two cityscapes of San Francisco.
Mitchell Johnson’s work is renowned for its intricate color relationships and patterns. Joan Ludman, in her monograph “Color as Content,” commends Johnson’s ability to integrate his knowledge of composition and color with influences from artists such as Morandi, Albers, and Fairfield Porter. This synthesis creates a body of work that speaks to both artistic instinct and intellect.
In Lee Roscoe’s 2021 article for Artscope Magazine, Johnson’s mastery of color and form is highlighted, suggesting that the artist uses these elements to go beyond mere representation. Instead, Johnson’s pieces evoke the essence of places like European cities or New York, reminding viewers of their unique characteristics through his color palette and shapes.
Susana Byers’ 1997 feature in “American Artist” Magazine elaborates on Johnson’s artistic process, emphasizing his focus on composition and color balance. Johnson strives for harmony within his works, ensuring that every element, from trees to the sky, contributes to the overall functionality of the painting.
Johnson’s contributions to the art world include his pieces in numerous private collections and around 40 museum permanent collections. Additionally, this renowned artist has been the focus of two museum retrospectives. Alongside the upcoming exhibitions in San Francisco, Johnson’s smaller works will be displayed in Paris at Galerie Mercier this March.
For further insights into Mitchell Johnson’s work, visit [his website](https://bit.ly/44WZfze?ref=hyperallergic.com) or follow him on Instagram at [@mitchell_johnson_artist](https://bit.ly/45CKT7h?ref=hyperallergic.com). To request a digital catalog, email [email protected].