verso: inscribed (TOM'S PAINTING) / Michael Johnson 1989
Provenance: The Lowenstein Sharp Collection of Contemporary Australian Art 

This exuberant, large abstract painting highlights Johnson's skilful use of brush and impasto technique. Using rhythmic arrangements of colour, Michael Johnson's decorative canvases are layered with emotion and optimism. Johnson applies oil paint directly from the tube, balancing dark expanses with bright daubs of luminous colour. His paintings are romantic in essence, yet raw and intuitive in their application.