Decorah arts
paintings by richard earl johnson
Hello! My name is Richard Earl Johnson. I’m an artist and admirer of all things Decorah, Iowa. My work is a tribute to the town, its people and the surrounding landscapes that I have come to love and enjoy.
My journey to decorah
A few years back, I began a deep dive into my family history and in the process was shocked to discover that both my great, great grandparents on my father’s side of my family left the same small island of Norway and immigrated to America on the same four mast sailing ship in the year 1886. Their final destination was listed as Decorah, Iowa. A town that up until that moment, I had never heard of. Curious to learn more, I was inspired to visit the area that my ancestors were so doggedly determined to immigrate to for myself.
inspired by my past
Standing on the side of Old Pole Line road and looking out over the very land that my great, great, grandparents once worked as farmhands one hundred years before me was a moving experience. It was in that moment that I felt a very deep and meaningful connection to my brave ancestors and the area they once called home.
so much to paint
The discovery of my past connection to Decorah and the surrounding beauty of Winneshieck County opened up a whole new world to me. My days are now spent painting trout streams, rock formations, rolling hills, historic churches, picturesque farms, bike trails, church steeples, and of course, the many quaint, homes, shops and cafe’s of downtown Decorah.
Where to find my art work
I am excited to say that I have partnered with The Perfect Edge Custom Framing and Gallery located in downtown, Decorah, Iowa. The Perfect Edge Gallery is home to many of the areas local artists. If you’re interested in purchasing any of my original artworks, or prints of my artwork, please stop by the gallery, or follow the link below to the gallery’s website.