Passionate Painter Podcast Episode 24: Wildlife and Canine Portrait Painter Johanne Mangi -

Oil painting of a borzoi by Johanne Mangi

Oil painting of charlie the Spaniel by Johanne Mangi

Johanne Mangi has been drawing all her life. Painting came later, but drawing was the foundation. Dogs have always been an important part of her life. Richard Schmid famously told Johanne, “Paint what you love, love what you paint”, and she took it to heart.

Johanne took that to heart and decided that she wouldn’t just dabble in her chosen subject. She’d elevate it to Fine Art. She was taught to paint from life and so is known for the presence of live dogs at my workshops. They are there for inspiration and valuable information.

Johanne captured the process in the DVD “The Fine Art of Painting Dog Portraits” published by Streamline Publishing. It is a best-seller, and she just released another course on painting horses. Her work has garnered accolades and is collected internationally. She teaches throughout the United States, including Village Arts of Putney in Vermont, Scottsdale Artist School in Arizona, Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio in Washington, Madeline Island School of Art in Wisconsin, and Creative Arts Center in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Her future workshops will include England and Holland.

In Johanne's own words:

"I have been fortunate to be part of well-known painting groups including The Putney Painters founded by Richard Schmid, who is considered an icon in Representational Art. This group has produced some of the best known Representational artists today. Having the opportunity to paint with this group raised my expectations and certainly my abilities.

Over the years Richard generously shared his expertise and encouraged us to pass on that knowledge. Following in those footsteps I’ve established a Painting Group of like-minded working artists. We meet regularly in my Third Floor Studio in a well-orchestrated environment conducive to painting, sharing experiences and encouragement.

Living Masters, Sherrie McGraw and David Leffel continuously challenge me. They believed in my abilities from the beginning and are a constant source of advice and instruction. They are exceptional teachers who never let me rest on my laurels. Sherrie steadily raises the bar, and I am grateful for it.

Recognition is important but my focus is always on the work. I love teaching but it’s always a challenge to control my schedule. It’s imperative to leave time for painting and experimentation. This profession is not for the feint of heart!"

As a wildlife and canine portrait painter Johanna Mangi is a juried member of Salmagundi Club NYC, Oil Painters of America, American Impressionists Society, Inc as well as the Portrait Society of America.