Mary Lou Johnson Photography
Living most of her life on islands off Florida’s Gulf Coast, Mary Lou’s artistic creations are inspired by watery scenes and their infinite array of color, mood and composition. Retiring from her private practice as a marriage and family therapist and divorce mediator, she plunged into her love of photography and digital painting capturing God’s beauty around her.
The Lure of Sarasota and Her Islands is Mary Lou’s second book of fine art and is a companion to The Lure of Longboat Key which sold out in eight months and is currently in its second printing. This award-winning book was featured in New York at the International BookExpoUSA.
Mary Lou loves the exciting pursuit of the initial image as well as her unique creative digital painting process that transforms the image into her vision. Personally and spiritually, the process is challenging and fulfilling. She supports conservation of our natural world and strives to encourage others to observe and protect the beauty around us. With her images, collectors around the world bring exquisite outdoor scenes into their personal home, hospital and business spaces. Numerous art honors and awards include juried local, state, national and international competitions. Mary Lou was a Finalist in NY Times Square International Competition and a Finalist in Photographer of the Year for Popular Photography Magazine. Her images have been featured in The PPA Showcase, the annual book of Professional Photographers of America, Shutterbug Photography Magazine, Southern Boating, Sarasota Herald, Siesta Observer, Longboat Key Observer, Longboat Key News, and numerous other magazines and newspapers including covers of the Sarasota Magazine and The Longboat Key Isles Magazine. Mary Lou regularly lends her creative talents to many non-profits she is involved with in the Sarasota area. When not traveling, photographing, and creating new art, Mary Lou fills her soul playing with her precious grandchildren. In between those times, she loves playing tennis with friends, Peloton spinning, kayaking, running, and reading.
Mary Lou’s background in private practice as a mental health counselor is present throughout the book. “Nature is a stress buster whether we are actually there or simply looking at a picture of a calming beautiful scene. It can be very calming and healing,” she said.
Her images, in offices, hospitals, hotels, and homes, are relaxing and therapeutic. People have told her they leave the book open on their coffee tables to view different scenes each day.
Clients have sent emails, notes and comments about the effects her art has had. These range from bringing back beautiful touching memories made in this area to helping through an illness, a divorce, the loss of a loved one, a cold winter and more across the United States, Europe, Canada, and South America.
Mary Lou’s fine art is in many private collections but here are some galleries and public collections you may visit:
LBK Club Tennis Gardens Art Gallery – 15 large canvases for appointment contact Mary Lou
Johnson’s studio – on LBK – by appointment. Many and changing regularly Prints, Canvas and Aluminum
Sarasota Memorial Rehab Hospital – 60 large canvases and framed prints
LBK Club Membership Office and the Spa Area
Amore Restaurant downtown Sarasota – 4 Italian canvases
Petar’s Gym – Downtown Fitness, 1599 Main St. Sarasota -10 large canvases
The Toasted Mango Cafe on 41 just north of Fruitville -10 tropical images on canvas
The Toasted Mango Cafe on Siesta Key has 15 canvases
Drs. Hospital lobby and hallways – beach images on canvas
Longbeach Cafe – north end of LBK
“Hey! Wait for Me!” from cover of Sarasota Magazine – Ten other images of beach scenes, birds, etc. on canvas
Longboat Key Club Tennis Gardens Art Gallery Show – 5pm-9pm daily. 16 NEW large canvases!
Website: