Carl Johnson
1931-2025
Growing up, Carl was greatly influenced by his aunt, Ruth Schuessler, a watercolor painter, wallpaper designer, and fine musician. He pursued art at the University of Illinois. His education was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army (serving for two years), after which he used the GI Bill to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1957.
Carl began his career as an apprentice in an Oak Park advertising firm, eventually rising to Art Director. When administrative duties removed him from creative work he formed his own studio in his home, then in Hinsdale, Illinois.
Always painting on location, watercolors claimed more of Carl’s creative time. He also loved the etching process and developed a vocabulary through acrylic paintings and banners that expressed his personal views.
Carl was asked to design and illustrate The Heritage of Dubuque. In 1977, using the local state historian’s research and Alfie Mueller’s photos, Carl wrote, illustrated, and published a book on his adopted hometown: The Building of Galena—An Architectural Legacy, which is available for purchase in the Center's gift shop.
Carl’s legacy remains with each of us through the joy he shared of landscapes, cityscapes, flowers, and even ball parks. Your interest in his work brought happiness to him and to each of us. Thank you for allowing him to pursue his dream.
Growing up, Carl was greatly influenced by his aunt, Ruth Schuessler, a watercolor painter, wallpaper designer, and fine musician. He pursued art at the University of Illinois. His education was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army (serving for two years), after which he used the GI Bill to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1957.
Carl began his career as an apprentice in an Oak Park advertising firm, eventually rising to Art Director. When administrative duties removed him from creative work he formed his own studio in his home, then in Hinsdale, Illinois.
Always painting on location, watercolors claimed more of Carl’s creative time. He also loved the etching process and developed a vocabulary through acrylic paintings and banners that expressed his personal views.
Carl was asked to design and illustrate The Heritage of Dubuque. In 1977, using the local state historian’s research and Alfie Mueller’s photos, Carl wrote, illustrated, and published a book on his adopted hometown: The Building of Galena—An Architectural Legacy, which is available for purchase in the Center's gift shop.
Carl’s legacy remains with each of us through the joy he shared of landscapes, cityscapes, flowers, and even ball parks. Your interest in his work brought happiness to him and to each of us. Thank you for allowing him to pursue his dream.
