About Purchasing Art

Buying art directly from the artist offers both excellent value and direct support of the creative process. Working full-time in my studio I produce about four or five paintings and two woodcut prints each year. This allows the time for conception and production that each unique piece deserves.

Because most galleries double the price of art sold, I prefer to reserve most pieces for direct sale to my customers. When exhibiting in galleries there can be a pressure to paint twice as fast in an effort to make a living as an artist. I prefer to keep it slow, because part of my message is to pause, to notice the world around us, and to see its beauty.

All of the pieces offered are originals, not giclées or other forms of reproduction. Also, you have the opportunity to visit me and my studio and to see part of the process. I believe you will find that these moments of direct communication add to the meaning of the art.

During the first three weekends of October my studio is open for the “Open Studios Art Tour” sponsored by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County. At Open Studios I offer a free frame for each woodcut print and other specials. If you are unable to visit then, you are welcome to call and arrange another time. There is no obligation to buy during a studio visit, and if you live in the Monterey Bay area, an in-home trial of a piece may be arranged. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

I consider my visitors and customers to be direct supporters of the artistic process. Thank you to everyone who has visited, or purchased my work, or told friends about it. You make it all possible!

Contact and Purchase Information

Aaron Johnson
Post Office Box 477
Freedom, CA 95019

(831) 761-5848

aaron@aaronjohnson.net

All prices include sales tax. Shipping is free for woodcut prints within the United States and delivery of paintings is free within one hundred miles of Watsonville, California. Payments may be made by cash, check, or credit card.

Studio visits are encouraged. You are welcome to call or e-mail to arrange a time. If you are unable to visit, woodcut orders may be placed by phone or e-mail.

A couple of times each year I mail a postcard with news of upcoming exhibits. If you would like to be on the mailing list, please send your postal address to the e-mail or post office address above. I never share my mailing list - with the possible exception of a gallery announcing an exhibit of my work.

Links

www.yollabollypress.com - The Yolla Bolly Press is the publisher where I served as pressman and gained my letterpress and book arts experience.

www.foolscappress.com - Foolscap Press is a Santa Cruz press, bindery, and publisher that I have collaborated with recently.

www.scal.org - The Santa Cruz Art League has information on local artists and art activities. Their gallery, located at 526 Broadway, charges a more modest commission on sales than most galleries.

www.ccscc.org - The Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County sponsors the Open Studios Art Tour and supports many other art programs.

www.santacruzmah.org - The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History is our local museum and sponsor of the arts.