Family and Friends

William H. Johnson grew up with two brothers and two sisters. Although he did not see his family very often due to his world travels, Johnson painted several portraits of his relatives throughout his life. Johnson painted this portrait of his sixteen-year-old brother Jim while visiting his hometown of Florence, South Carolina, in 1930. Ten years later, Johnson painted a portrait of his younger sister Lucy (from memory) while he was living in New York City.

Jim, 1930 oil on canvas 54.8 x 46.3 cm (21 5/8 x 18 1/4 in.) Gift of the Harmon Foundation

Lucy, about 1939–40 oil on burlap 91.5 x 68.9 cm (36 1/8 x 27 1/8 in.) Gift of the Harmon Foundation

Draw a picture of one of your relatives from memory.