Benn Johnson was born in 1952 in Alabama to parents who were both orphans that became college professors. He characterizes his youth as one being “free of any inherited expectations, but infused with a passion for knowledge.” He was encouraged to study the natural beauty of his American South and the history of art. He is best known for his rich use of color and for his calligraphic lines which are compared to the post-Impressionist master, Raoul Dufy. An art review in a prominent newspaper has praised Benn for “bodacious color and bravura painting.” Even though Benn’s subject is frequently flowers, the impact is far from delicate.

Benn holds a Masters Degree from the University of Alabama and has continued private art studies in France from 1980 to today. Benn resides in Birmingham and his farm in North Alabama.