Jay Johansen

Born in 1946 in Oakland, California, Jay Johansen was immersed in art from an early age, inspired by his artist father. Despite witnessing the struggles of a working artist, he pursued his passion, later earning degrees from Cal Berkeley and San Francisco State before serving as a U.S. Army officer. Johansen mastered hyper-photorealism, building an international collector base with portraits of ballerinas, matadors, and music icons. His work has garnered over 25 international awards, solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.

Today, Johansen’s art has evolved into a dynamic fusion of color and emotion. His recent work enlivens monochromatic faces of women with bold, expressive strokes, breathing life into the canvas. This shift from precise realism to a freer, more energetic style reflects a renewed artistic spirit, allowing him to create with the same passion he had as a child in his father’s studio. His groundbreaking work continues to captivate audiences worldwide, attracting celebrity collectors and global acclaim. View Johansen's work