Boulevard 4, 2013 by Johnny Taylor


About This Artwork

Johnny Taylor is inspired by what he observes day to day: graffiti, murals, hand painted signs, graphic design, vintage advertising, store displays, package design. "I always liked the illustrations of vintage print ads. They are more realistic than cartoons or comics, but then they are idealized, too. Since they are meant to get your attention quickly, they tend to be bold and easy to understand with crisp, clean lines. I never really learned to draw from nature, so I have always sought out this simplified, 2-D version of the world to make my own designs from. You can see the irregular edges of the stroke, like the edges of torn paper. I also like the look of taking really simple designs and shapes and stacking them, creating something interesting and complex. I use layering to show fragments of designs peeking out underneath other fragmentary compositions. This is my attempt to convey the visual experience of modern urban life."

Product Specifications

Artwork Specifications
MediumMixed Media
Sub-MediumAcrylic, marker, spray paint & screen print on panel
Height36 inches
Width36 inches
Signature locationOn Front
Certificate number3225
Region of OriginCalifornia
Frame Information
FramedNo

Artist

Johnny Taylor
Born in Helena, Arkansas; Johnny Taylor grew up in and around Memphis, Tennessee. Early inspirations were MAD Magazine, Star Wars, and the rock band KISS-an art/film/music troika of influences that would remain consistent. When he entered school, Johnny drew variations of these subjects ad infinitum. This interest in drawing led to a job producing a weekly comic strip at age 10. Thus encouraged, the young cartoonist determined that he would always make art. Taylor began painting as a student at the University of Memphis (BFA, Art History, 1996). On New Year's Eve of 1992, he made a resolution to paint three paintings a day, every day, for the entire year. By the end of 1993, Taylor had begun exhibiting the fruits of his labor. Showing paintings regularly ever since, he has not strayed far from the hard-edged cartoon style that marked his initial efforts. Primarily painted in acrylics, Taylor's output has tapered somewhat from his earlier, dizzyingly prolific period.