BRITTANY JOHNSON | 3RD PLACE
2025 PETS COMPETITION

Virginia-based artist, Brittany Johnson, explored different media over the years from colored pencil drawings to abstract paintings. She had dabbled in scratchboard, creating pieces for friends, but in 2018, after selling several commissions, she made scratchboard her medium of choice. Johnson’s realistic pieces are known for their detailed, soulful approach. Inspired by the natural world, she says, “Almost all of my work relates to nature and the beauty we can find around us.” Her art expresses this passion with her focus on animals, birds, and flora.

She is on the Board of the Chesapeake Bay Art Association which raises funds through donations and art shows to award scholarships to young artists. We recently spoke with Johnson about her work.

How did you choose scratchboard as your sole medium?

I made a scratchboard of a pet for a friend’s wedding gift which led to commissions for more pet portraits. I fell in love with scratchboard’s fine line work, dramatic black and white palette, level of detail, and uniqueness. I changed my medium from painting and haven't looked back.

How do you choose an image to work from?

I always look for high-resolution images with detailed photography. I often use Photoshop to manipulate multiple images to create the work I have envisioned. I try to follow the original photo reference as closely as possible, but I also adjust the backgrounds and add highlights to the eyes to make the subjects look as lifelike as I can.

How did you approach your piece, "Parker?"

I really love Parker’s compelling gaze and wanted to make that the focal point. I aimed to make his face very detailed and the rest of his body, as well as the folds of the blanket, less detailed. However, I still wanted to create interest, movement, and a grounding sensation through the piece.

All artwork © Brittany Johnson, shared with permission.