Carolyn Johnson - Coastal and Surfboard Artist in Laguna Niguel

Laguna Niguel artist Carolyn Johnson has always been inspired by nature and the way we as humans interact with it. Most influential for her were the landscapes and beaches of the southern California coast.

"Who doesn’t love the ocean? Its vastness humbles us. Its beauty helps us find peace. Its strength helps us find our own. When I am out in nature my mind clears. It is here I get my best ideas, can solve problems, and find inspiration. I may be one small component but I feel significant. So nature is the subject of all of my art."

Environmentally Conscious Surfboard Art

Carolyn Johnson is well-known across the country for her incredible surfboard art and is often out looking for old, worn-out boards to recycle or upcycle; saving them from being tossed out as trash. Carolyn’s unique approach merges her two passions (art and the environment) to create relevant and emotive 3D art.

Contact Carolyn Johnson Today to Purchase a Custom Commissioned
or Currently Available Surfboard

If you or someone you love is a surfer, Carolyn will commemorate and immortalize an old board by transforming it into the perfect piece of art. Your custom wall decor now has a personal and powerful history that goes far beyond esthetics.

Carolyn Johnson Surfboard Artist

What inspires my art?

"Who doesn’t love the ocean? Its vastness humbles us. Its beauty helps us find peace. Its strength helps us find our own."

The titles Carolyn Johnson chooses for her artwork are purposely intended to express a tangible and inspirational message for each piece she creates. For her, it’s a spiritual endeavor as she has found her own place and purpose through art. Her collectors have said that her work emotes feelings of calm, inspiration, peace, and serenity; and the titles carry on that theme.

NATURE: When I am out in nature my mind clears. It is here I get my best ideas, can solve problems and find inspiration. I may be one small component but I feel significant. So nature is the subject of all of my art.

INTERACTION: I want my art to interact with you - to awaken your senses and inspire you. My role as artist is to give you something to appreciate. The thing I find most notable is that I can do it without you knowing anything about me – my art speaks for me.

MESSAGING: While the art has its visual message to you – the titles have a tangible message. I hope to emote inspiration and purpose though the titles. My philosophy is that we have multiple types of interactive relationships. First with ourselves, next with significant others and most importantly - with our God. The titles can be viewed from each of these perspectives…each creating a different narrative.

PURPOSE: We all need a purpose in our lives. That one thing that gets us out of bed in the morning. Mine is art and the opportunity to create something beautiful and share it.

Education, Shows, Recognition, and Awards

Carolyn Johnson first started drawing with her father at the kitchen table. After seeing her promise, Carolyn’s parents enrolled her in private lessons where she learned to use pencil, and oil pastels. She continued her art education at DeAnza College and San Jose State University. She also received a full scholarship to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, where she studied fashion design.

Awards and Achievements

2021 Balboa Island Artwalk–Mayor’s Award “Best of Show” 

2019 Balboa Island Artwalk-Kudos Magazine “Best of Show” 

2019 Surfers Healing–Ritz-Carlton-Auction Benefit-Highest Bid

2019 LaJolla Art & Wine Festival-Featured Artist

2019 AIA ArtwalkSpecial Citation Award-Surfboard “Perfect Peace” 

2018 Mission Federal Artwalk–Featured Recycled Surfboard “Awaken”

2018 Surfboard-Metallic, Acrylic, Ink Blend, Resin - proprietary technique 

2018 FOA Designer Art Fashion Show “Theme” Winner 

2017 Indian Wells Arts Festival-Featured Artist 

2018 Mission Federal ArtWalk, Little Italy San Diego CA-Featured Artist 

Sharing Her Art is the Key

Carolyn Johnson’s coastal contemporary look and blue coastal art allow you to take in the essence of the beach and wake up to it every morning. She is driven by providing a calm, in the sometimes stormy seas of life, through her work.