Aaron Johnson

West Jefferson, North Carolina

Aaron Johnson is a painter based in the North Carolina High Country, working in oil and watercolor. Painting outdoors in direct observation of his subjects, he is drawn to the light and character of the Southern landscape. His work is rooted in the Impressionist tradition, shaped by a deep study of John Singer Sargent, Joaquín Sorolla, and Monet. Aaron has competed extensively in juried plein air events across North Carolina, earning multiple first-place awards including wins in Beaufort, Salisbury, Boone, Burnsville, and most recently First Place at the 2026 Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival.

Awards

• 2026
  First Place
  Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival, Blowing Rock, NC
• 2017
  First Place
  NC Open Plein Air Paint Out, Mooresville, NC
• 2016
  First Place
  Toe River Arts Council 10th Annual Plein Air Paint Out, Burnsville, NC
• 2016
  Second Place
  Be Here en Plein Air Painting Festival and Competition, Beaufort, NC
• 2015
  Second Place
  Paint Out Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
• 2015
  First Place
  Boone Community Network's Plein Aire Painting Competition, Boone, NC
• 2015
  First Place
  NC Open Plein Air Paint Out, Salisbury, NC
• 2015
  First Place
  Be Here en Plein Air Painting Festival and Competition, Beaufort, NC