William R. Johnson

William Johnson and his wife Virginia, 1940

William Royster Johnson (1901-1991) was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. He studied architecture at the University of Virginia under Fiske Kimball, who was a pioneer in the field of architectural preservation in the United States. In 1925 he joined Wyeth & King Architects and spent two years in the New York office—while studying painting at the Art Students League. In 1932 he became partner and in 1944 his name was added to the firm after he obtained his Florida architecture license. Johnson was a gifted draftsman who worked on many significant projects. His collection includes a number of house designs that are notable for their clean and elegant lines. He continued to be involved in the arts and served on the Board of Trustees at the Norton Museum of Art from 1948-1955, and as president of the trustees from 1952-1955.

A Monterey style home surrounded by palm trees waving full fronds. Johnson utilizes negative space leading up to the house, February 1941

A Bermuda style house with soft color pencil, in a closer frame, surrounded by palms. The long overhanging roof lines and shaded interiors create a sense of coolness from the Florida sunshine, 1950.

A flat roofed modern home with louvers to modify light and three figures for scale and context. Johnson’s characteristic use of pencil shading adds a quality of sun dappled warmth—evoked through the palm tree shadows touching the ground. A simple border line keeps the composition in place.

Watercolor adds warmth and depth to this Bermudian house. The view is from the back on the house and the repetition of horizontal lines juxtaposes with the natural environment. Here the palm fronds are sunlit and shaded, foliage grows over the border, fronds frame the bottom right corner, and the mixture of sandy grass gives a sense of Florida’s unique horticulture. The overall effect is a house immersed in nature.

Interior watercolor of a modern living room open on either side to the outdoors. Vibrant hues painted in gouache bring this interior to life.