Brendan Johnston (b. 1984) works across painting and sculpture, building his practice through rigorous study of traditional techniques and direct engagement with his subjects. Born in New York City, Johnston grew up blocks from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, developing an early immersion in art history that would shape his approach to making. After completing his degree in Art History and Humanities at McGill University in Montreal, he returned to New York in 2006 to pursue studio training at the Harlem Studio of Art, where he studied cast drawing and foundational observational methods. In 2008, Johnston enrolled at Grand Central Atelier, dedicating himself to academic drawing, painting, and sculpture through the school's comprehensive program. He extended his studies for a fifth year focused specifically on sculpture and portraiture, working primarily in water-based clay. After graduating, he remained at Grand Central Atelier for approximately four years as both a graduate student and instructor, gaining crucial studio access and teaching experience. In 2014, he traveled to Italy to study old master paintings directly, copying works in the museums of Rome, Florence, and Naples. Johnston now divides his practice between painting and sculpture, working in diverse genres and materials. His sculptural work extends beyond traditional marble to include terracotta, where he preserves the immediacy of the original clay rather than casting in bronze. He has also developed a technique of painting on stone, intentionally leaving portions of the surface exposed to integrate the material's natural qualities into the composition. His still life paintings often incorporate objects of personal significance, transforming biographical elements into visual studies of form, light, and material presence.