Welcome. I’m Benjamin Johnson, an African American artist based in California City, California. I create paintings, fine art prints, and wall murals that bring color, feeling, and a sense of connection into the spaces where we live and gather.

My story

I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Compton in a large family, with seven brothers and three sisters. My parents were laborers, and growing up in the 1960s shaped the way I see people, community, and the importance of telling our stories.

Those roots continue to live in my art: the closeness of family, the dignity of everyday life, the strength of African American culture, and the memories that connect one generation to the next.

My artistic development has included study at Parsons School of Design and private lessons at Mission Renaissance. Much of my growth has also come through independent study, observation, and years of making art. Charles White’s work has been an important influence, especially his powerful portrayal of African American life and humanity.

Today, California’s high desert offers another source of inspiration. Its open skies, Joshua trees, distant mountains, and changing light encourage me to slow down, look closely, and find beauty in my surroundings.

What I create

Working primarily in oils and acrylics, I’m drawn to Impressionism’s expressive brushwork and attention to color and light. My subjects range from jazz musicians and family scenes to landscapes, coastal views, floral still lifes, and images inspired by African heritage.

Some works are quiet and reflective; others are filled with rhythm and bold color. Across them all, I want the artwork to invite a feeling, spark a memory, or give you a reason to pause.

I also explore contemporary abstraction and digital tools, including AI-assisted imagery in selected projects. These explorations allow me to develop new visual ideas alongside my traditional painting practice.

“I want my art to bring warmth to a room and remind us of the beauty in our lives, our memories, and our shared humanity.”

For collectors and art lovers

Whether you are choosing your first piece or adding to a collection, I welcome you to explore my original paintings and limited-edition giclée prints. Each offers a way to bring an artistic story into your home.

For details about artist signatures, edition sizes, certificates of authenticity, and available formats, please see the individual artwork listing or contact me directly.

Art that makes a space your own

Through Murals by Benjamin, I create wall art for homes, offices, and welcoming public spaces. My mural designs range from peaceful landscapes and botanical scenes to contemporary African heritage and jazz-inspired compositions.

I also welcome inquiries about commissioned artwork and custom murals inspired by your photographs, favorite places, and family memories. Send your ideas and photos, and we can discuss a piece that feels personal to you.

Let’s find the art that speaks to you

Thank you for visiting and taking an interest in my work. If a painting catches your eye, you need help choosing art for a room, or you have an idea for a commission, I would be glad to hear from you.

Explore the artworkContact Benjamin

Benjamin Johnson

Artist · California City, California