Mary Johnston is a contemporary landscape and abstract painter. The natural elements, large expansive sky, peaceful water, quiet green forests, the rocks and wind through the grass are passions that dominate her work. Growing up on the Great Lakes created a sense that the natural world is more beautiful and mysterious then we will ever know. Currently working out of a studio in Carmel, Indiana, Johnston has spent many years in the arts field working in different mediums; however, she has settled on large-scale contemporary oil paintings along with small groupings of 12" x 12"s. Born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota, Johnston was always extremely creative and lucky to have a mother who indulged her talents. She was also within walking distance of the world-class art museum: The Tweed Museum of Art on the campus of the University of MN, Duluth. She loved spending ‘quiet time’ with the art there and never missed an exhibition. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, a move to New Jersey exposed her to the great art and museums of New York City and to the Somerset Art Association in Bedminster, NJ where she learned to really be an artist; show, sell and hone her 'craft' in both watercolor work and faux painting. Subsequently, two years in California during the '90's gave her a huge view of the Pacific and the gorgeous colors of the West Coast. Later, moving to Indiana opened up the world of oil paints and the beautiful expansive sky of the Midwest. Now with three grown children and a career as a full-time artist, Johnston also enjoys the peace and tranquility offered at her family’s North Woods cabin on the shores of Lake Superior. The large expansive skies of Indiana and the farmlands of the Midwest and the great open spaces of the Western US & Canada add the sense of 'vastness' to her work.