The luminescent beauty and lyrical quality of Richard S. Johnson's work is what captivates collectors today. With Johnson’s work, he combines a spectrum of influences, from the Old Masters’ technical virtuosity and pre-Raphael romanticism, to contemporary expressionism and abstraction; all merge to create Johnson’s unique works of illusionistic depth and impeccable artistry. Johnson’s advanced skills for capturing the human form has brought him numerous commissions, most notably the John F. Kennedy portrait at the JFK Memorial Library in Boston. He has work in such exclusive spaces including a commemorative painting of the presidents - from Eisenhower to Bush - currently hanging at the President's Council on Physical Fitness in Washington D.C.. Johnson works with a wide range of clients, from Rear Admiral Richard S. Truly, USN, the first commander of the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger, to Gracie Gold, Gold Medal Champion in the 2014 U.S. National Figure Skating Championship. Born in Chicago to an artistic family, his earliest memories include pouring through Charles Dana Gibson, N.C. Wyeth, and John Singer Sargent art books on rainy afternoons. While still in grade school, he won a scholarship to the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. He later attended the American Academy of Art and upon graduation began a very successful career as an illustrator. Turning his attentions to fine art after winning a competition in International Artists Magazine, Johnson was invited to Japan where his solo show was so successful that he was invited back numerous times and has developed an international base of collectors. He has won many awards in competitions in the United States including the Award of Excellence from the Oil Painters of America Midwest Regional Juried Competition and People's Choice Award at the International Museum of Contemporary Master's of Fine Art in San Antonio, TX. "Poetic intimacy” is the best term that describes Johnson’s work. His distinct brushstrokes, bold use of color, impasto texture, and delicate rendering of form all work together in harmony. These elements work together garnering attention for their technical virtuosity, but captivates the viewer into a shared oneness and awareness of a serene, contemplative moment.