Technique:

Each of Johansen's paintings begins with a documentary style photograph featuring as unbiased and authentic representation as possible. Whenever he can, Johansen takes these photos himself.

From these photos Johansen produces a charcoal sketch which he uses as the foundation for the portrait. On top of the sketch he lays watercolor, acrylic, even gesso. He has said that he'll use "whatever tool is necessary to get the story out."

General Characteristics and Style:

Johansen's work displays an enthusiastic palette and a fearless manipulation of light and shadow. However, his subject choice and the resulting reverence he shows for each piece gives his paintings depth and distinction.

Johansen paintings are similiar in that each is painted from a single light source, this allows the portrait to look more organic and allows for greater creativity in the presentation of the piece's light and shadow.

Another frequent theme in Johansen's work is the incorporation of the subject's hands. Johansen believes that while a person's face is a testimonial to one's life experiences, a person's hands are the tools with which one's life was built. Celebrating both can lead to a greater sense of comprehensiveness and balance in a portrait.