Romano Johnson is a large-format painter represented by the Madison-based organization ArtWorking, which provides career-oriented support for artists with developmental disabilities. Romano creates large-format portraits, predominantly of famed personalities, which offer a glimpse into the psyche and public persona.
Artist Statement:
When I was a young kid in Chicago, I would draw ’cause I loved it and I was good at it. It’s what I like to do.
I like to draw cars, car parts, faces, hair, clothes. And when I draw and paint I’m always working for better ideas; blending colors, adding glitter, and coming up with patterns.
I want people to see that this is what I love doing, and what I always wanted to do. I want people to look at my paintings and drawings and say, “Wow!” I’m a good person inside. I love to go to church and I love to pray to God for everybody in the world and my family and the staff that works with me. I listen to gospel, jazz, and a little bit of hip-hop and old-school songs like Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson. The gospel songs sometimes inspire me.
