Artist Gregory Johnston at the opening of his show at the Stephen Haller Gallery in Chelsea. Photos by Ann Watt

New York City - Art fans packed the Stephen Haller Gallery in Chelsea last week for what has become an almost annual event - an exhibition of the latest works by East Hampton painter Gregory Johnston. Once again, the young man the Wall Street Journal heralded as "one of the emerging artists of his generations" lived up to the kudos and presented a show that clearly displays a real maturity in his signature style - suggestions of calligraphic gestures within a canvas divided into formal, almost architectural, drawing in a series of oversize paintings.

His many layered works effortlessly pull the eye to closer examination to see the story within the story within the story. Indeed Johnston is right on point when he likens his paintings to a musical score or a novel.

Of his work Johnston says: "Every painting is a relationship within a relationship within a relationship, and structured much more like a novel or a piece of music, than the incredible open-endedness of a painting on a picture plane." So impressive are these new works that noted critic George Melrod, editor of Art & Antiques Magazine referred to them as, "icons of textual beauty."

Johnston's last show at the prestigious gallery, known far and wide for its emphasis on fine paintings, was less than a year ago and was a complete sell-out. Haller suggested that he begin on a new collection immediately as interest was so high in his work. So Johnston went back to work on the studio he maintains in Springs close to his home there. Johnston told this writer he loves "working where the ghosts of Jackson Pollack and Willem de Kooning give fire to my imagination."

Gregory Johnston listens intently as gallery owner Stephan Haller comments on the show.

Johnston's formula for work is to spend the day with his family and head off to his studio after an early dinner to work on his paintings until the wee hours. Spending time with his wife and children are of the utmost importance to him, as he relishes the life he has created on the East End.

Born and raised in Hollywood to a family who all worked in the film industry, Gregory studied at Cal Arts in Los Angeles and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. A stint at a the Art Foundry Inc in Santa Fe moved him closer to the world of art. Pace Prints invited him to create a set of prints, which they published.

He was selected for "Outward Bound: American Art on the Brink of the 21st Century," presenting the work of outstanding American artists in an exhibition that traveled to major venues in China, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Rim including museums in Beijing, Shanghai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Singapore, and Manila. Johnston has had numerous previous exhibitions at The Stephen Haller Gallery, as well as solo shows at the Marcia Wood Gallery in Atlanta, Ballard Fetherston Gallery in Seattle and at Castello de Belgioioso in Italy.

Moving to New York, he showed in an East Village gallery where he caught the eye of Daniel Ferris, Director of Stephen Haller Gallery and immediately brought him to the attention of Haller. Of his relationship with his dealer Haller, Johnston says, "We're like family which is very uncommon in the art world." When asked about going back to work so soon after his success last May and not lolling on the beach for a few months, he replied simply, "It's a chance to work with my old friend (Haller) for another year."

He continued his admiration for the well respected dealer, "His adherence to quality, his level of taste and purity is incredible," he marveled as if not believing where he was.

"Passepartout V" by Gregory Johnston.

His effort was certainly paying off as red dots were going up on several of his works and client holds were on others - surprising given all the doom and gloom about art sales. "Every sale is a miracle in these times," said the modest painter. Yet miracles happen to Gregory Johnston with amazing frequency who is "simply thrilled that given all else people still want art in their lives."

While over 300 people swirled around him, Johnston remained attentive to all the queries about his work coming from both first time viewers and old clients. He appeared to be soaking it all up to carry him through yet another year of long hours painting in his Springs studio and summoning Jackson and Willem to guide his hands.

Asked how he was feeling about the response. Johnston said with child like innocence, "I always see my best and my worst in each show. But this show - I was completely taken back by what a real 'painters show' it is - That makes me really happy" - and his legions of fans as well.

The confessed motorcycle and car fanatic will take a short breather and head off to Switzerland for the international Geneva Auto show. Then he'll be back to Long Island, his adopted home. "When I hit the Shinnecock Canal I start to breathe normally knowing I've escaped the insanity and pressure at last," he says.

What's next for this very successful artist? Johnston says inspired by his surrounding in Springs he is turning his eye toward sculpture working with indigenous materials, "stones, twisted pieces of wood and found objects strewn along the beach." Not a bad way to get back to work take strolls along the beach and communing with Jackson and de Kooning!

 • Gregory Johnston's exhibition "Passépartout" runs at Stephen Haller Gallery, 542 West 26th Street in Chelsea through March 28. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. To view Gregory's works on display at the gallery visit www.stephenhallergallery.com.