Living and working abroad for many years, the African American painter William H. Johnson (1901-1970) is best known for his style of colorful, neo-folk depictions of the black experience.

William Henry Johnson was born in Florence, South Carolina, in 1901. As a young boy Johnson drew frequently, mainly copying comic strips, between odd jobs. At 17 Johnson left South Carolina to pursue a career as a newspaper cartoonist in New York. By 1921 he was admitted to New York's School of National Academy of Design. At the academy Professor Charles W. Hawthorne guided the talented Johnson and provided him with employment to fund his studies. Johnson also worked in George Luks' studio in exchange for painting lessons.

Recognized as having tremendous potential, Johnson was encouraged to study abroad. Like African American artist Henry O. Tanner, Johnson sought professional recognition and racial acceptance overseas. In 1926 Johnson sailed for Paris. In Paris his...