20 Questions with Casey Langteau Johnson
A Mini Interview
Our Gallery Team sits down with Casey Langteau Johnson
Casey answers your top 20 questions — all about herself and her life as an artist. If you were wondering, it is as lovely as it sounds, though, there are sometimes challenges too! Learn more, here, about life at home and in-studio with Casey!
1. Where are you from and how does that affect your art?
I’m from New Orleans and growing up here has greatly impacted my artwork. As you may know, New Orleans is a common subject of mine because of its beauty and charm. I’m grateful to live/ grow up in a city that appreciates and celebrates the arts!
2. What is your favorite kind of art to create?
Anything new! I love experimenting with new subjects because it’s exciting and I learn something every time! I think having a variety of artwork has helped my style evolve and improve, which was a good lesson at the beginning of my career. When I first started selling my art, I created mainly oyster paintings. Since it was the main subject I shared about, I would continually receive commissions for them and became stuck in a cycle of just painting oysters over, and over, and over again. While I LOVE painting oysters, I wanted to develop my style and the best way to do that is to experiment! Since then, I have painted over 50 different subjects, which has led to some exciting commissions! I love when a collector comes to me with an idea I have never painted before. It’s an honor to have their trust painting something completely new so I work my hardest to make the piece better than their expectations.
3. What's the best piece of business advice you've been given?
To hire a team!! A few years back I was afraid to hire because I like wearing all of the hats and having complete control of my business. However, if I continued at that rate, I would’ve never had time to do what I love most (and what drives my business) - painting! Now that I’ve hired a team of intelligent and talented women, they do those tasks even better than I would!
4. What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid of risks and investing in yourself. That’s the best way to grow your art career!
5. What habits help (or hinder) your creativity?
Whenever I’m looking for some inspiration, I try to get out in nature and disconnect. Whether that be taking a trip or taking a walk with my pups, I always find it allows my mind to explore what’s possible! What hinders my creativity is lack of time. If only we all had more!
6. What time of day do you think you’re most creative?
Creativity strikes randomly, which is fortunate and unfortunate. Sometimes it hits me when I’m walking into the studio in the morning, but other times it’s in the middle of the night. If I’m not prepared to create whenever it strikes, I make sure to jot it down so that I can revisit it when I’m in the studio.
7. How has your art changed over time?
My art has changed drastically since I went to college for painting and drawing. While I have always been drawn to thick texture, my palettes at the beginning of my art journey were extremely colorful. I had a professor that strongly discouraged using white paint so my paintings were 100% saturated. Now, white is the color I use most! It’s great to learn the principles of color, but the best part of being an artist is the ability to break some of the rules.
8. What’s the hardest part of creating a painting?
Getting started! Large, blank canvases are intimidating, especially if “the world is your oyster” as far as the subject goes. Because of this, I try to go into each painting with a clear idea of layout and color scheme, which always makes the first bold brush stroke easier.
9. How long does it take you to complete a painting and how do you know when a painting is done?
Depending on the detail inside of the painting, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a month. When I get close to the end of describing the subject, I will constantly step back and add highlights and alter details until it looks like a balanced, content painting.
10. How do you choose titles for your paintings?
This part is always fun and challenging for me! Usually, I work in collections so once I get to the end of painting I’ll dive into the theme and artist statement. From there, I’ll write a column of single words to describe the paintings or the theme/statement. I’ll mix and match those words for each painting until I find something catchy and appropriate. Scroll through some of my prints and let me know if any title sticks out to you!
11. What does a typical work-day look like for you?
I try to structure my days like a typical 9-to-5 job. After drinking my morning tea, I’ll answer some emails and post on social media. From there, I try to get a few hours of painting in whether it be on a commission, collection, or reworked canvas print. I usually end the day with ordering supplies, answering emails, printing orders, and if I’m lucky visiting the gallery!
12. What's your favorite part of being an artist?
Turning nothing [a blank canvas] into something that can bring joy and beauty to someone’s daily life. I’m so grateful to wake up every day and do something I love and value!
13. Have you ever created something you don’t like?
Absolutely. It took me a long time to find my way in this medium and give myself permission to try something new. I made some terrible pieces along the way… which will never see the light of day. I learned art is a process and the journey matters just as much as my completed paintings that you see. in my gallery. I know that I will continue to make bad work, because it is unavoidable when trying to evolve and improve. While these times are frustrating, when you love what you’re doing, the rough spots are worth it!
14. Is it hard to part with your paintings?
Absolutely, but I know the owners will appreciate it as much as I do. It’s always easier letting go when I know they’re going to a great home that will cherish and gain joy from it.
15. Does being an artist help you in other areas of your life?
Sure does! For one, having a detailed mind of design has helped me build our forever home. I drew just about every inch of our house before it came to life. Also, it helps in smaller tasks like using my paint tube squeezer to get the last bit out of toothpaste out the tube.
16. What memorable responses have you had to your work?
One day I was in the gallery when a sweet lady came to the register with about seven gift cards and certificates. Her family and friends have been gifting her small amounts over the years so that she could finally purchase a piece of my art. She handed the items over to me explaining how she will think of each of them when she looks at the painting. We both had tears in our eyes!
17. What are you most excited about right now?
Creating a new collection of paintings in the fall! I completely cleared my calendar so that I’d have time to focus and explore completely new concepts! I cannot wait to share them with you then!!
18. What would you be if you could not be an artist?
I joke that I would still be an artist even if I couldn't see or use my hands. I feel happiest when I’m creating. However, I would add on being a travel agent if I had to! I love planning trips and helping other people create beautiful memories. I love that both art and travel enrich lives!
19. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not painting?
I love hanging spending time with my daughter! I’m grateful for time to slow down and watch her experience something for the first time. Whether we are going on a walk, splashing in a puddle, or baking something, I always feel at peace and inspired with her!
20. What is your favorite thing about having your own gallery?
Meeting collectors in real life! I love hearing why they are drawn to a particular painting or helping them pick out the perfect piece and size for their home. It is so rewarding to help make collectors’ lives more beautiful!