Robert Johnson, Fine Art Oil Pastel Drawings
Robert’s BFA is in painting, ironically his works gravitated towards oil pastel drawing quite early on. His pastel work dating from the 80s to the mid 2000s were works on paper (most 22″x30″). Newer works are works on birch panel, as seen below.
A slowing in my neon work allowed me to get back in to my pastel work below are recent works beginning in 2023 to today. These are works on Birch panels from 8″x8″ to 12″x12″

Oil pastel on birch panel 10"x10" $300 2026

Oil pastel Birch panel 10"x10" $300 2026

Oil pastel on birch panel 12"x12" $300 2026

Oil pastel on birch panel 12"x12" $300 2024

Oil pastel on Birch Panel 12x12" $300 2026

Oil pastel on birch panel 8"x8" 2023

Oil pastel on birch panel 8"x8" 2023

Oil pastel on birch panel 8"x8" 2023

Oil pastel on birch panel 8"x8" 2024

Oil pastel on birch panel 8"x8" 2023
Robert’s Artist Statement
If ever there were a Zen garden for me to escape to it is that moment when I create my oil pastels on paper.
With a degree in painting, ironically, I have only done a handful of paintings after using the oil pastels. My technique is nontraditional as I layer and add/ subtract the surface in the process of creating the work. Applying the layers brings a myriad of effects and much discovery.
Subject matter varies , the allure of an eroded door or wall, paint flaked, crumbling wall can garner much discovery and meaning – barrier and pathway. Other inspiration is derived from ancient fresco panting from the Greek to Paleolithic. Explorations of the ‘primitive’ in art yielded research into early tools. forms, and objects. The vessel is a recurring theme, as object and as defined as body.
I delve into landscape favoring to migrate towards the abstract as my final outcome.
Below are other older works from 1986 to 2003

































