Kathy Rees Johnson: Interludes

An Interlude of art, earth and music

Artist Statement, Kathy Rees Johnson:  My modus operandi for Interludes was to allow the music to "unearth" the landscape. I have found that these paintings unearth particular passion of mine; where art, earth and music meet.

The Paintings and the Music

Kathy Rees Johnson, Assez Vif, 12 x 12" acrylic on board

The musical inspiration is Ravel's Quartet (his only) a wonderful pizzicato movement, Assez vif, tres rhythme.


Now, changing pace to Schubert's String Quintet in C major, D 956, Adagio. For more information on this painting, the music and my thoughts, please see my blog Good.

Kathy Rees Johnson, Adagio, 12 x 24", acrylic on board

If my Adagio theme evokes the beginning of a journey, perhaps The Lark Ascending makes me think of transitions or endings.

The Lark Ascending, 24 x 12", acrylic on board

The music which inspired this painting is by Vaughan Williams. The music was inspired by a poem by George Meredith, a Victorian poet. I like the music more than the poem, though at heart is a love of this Earth.

Since we are thinking of poems (or at least, I am) I'll post Black Earth.

Black Earth, 12 x 24", acrylic and oil stick on board

I've written about my discoveries in creating this painting in my blog My Faithful Beloved, Black Earth. This was a particularly satisfying process for me and I am grateful for a performance by Roberto Plano for the introduction.

The Plano recital was part of a Performance Today tour and that brings us to my next painting, which is totally the product of a Performance Today trip.

Le Pont Mirabeau, 12 x 24", acrylic on board

The whole story of this composition, including a video of the world premiere is available on a blog by Fred Child.

My relationship with the harp made the path to Farewell to Music.

Farewell to Music, 12 x 24", acrylic on board

I also was inspired, as I painted Black Earth because Kara Toprak was written and sung by a blind bard, as was Farewell to Music.

My relationship with David necessitated the creation of Vltava.

Vltava, 24 x 12", acrylic on board

Early in our courtship, David put on the LP of Smetana's Ma Vlast. The beginning of that composition tells the story of the beginning of the river Vltava (the Czech name for the Moldau) which is created out a cold spring and a warm spring. Perhaps there is hope for opposites.

I hope that you have enjoyed this exploration of art, earth and music.

Interludes is an exhibit at M.S. Rezny Studio/Gallery on view from October 9 - November 16, 2018. Joining me will be three artists: Chris Brannock, Mary Louise Dean and Patrick McNeese. I will be writing up a blog on each of the artists. Please stay tuned!