Prison Painter V. Johnson 1970

A very unique and well done oil painting by inmate Virgil Gino Johnson signed and dated (1970) in recto . Piece is finely painted in thin glazed layers with very subtle scumbling on the portraits akin to the work of Ivan Albright. Piece measures 24" x 30" (without frame) and is painted on canvas mounted on panel board. Verso is signed several times and on the left in pencil there is a note stating that the piece is not for sale, although there is a price on the work for insurance purposes at the time. There are also official stamps from the institution and a main tag that states the following: Virgil G. Johnson." I am a self-taught artist. My experience ranges over a continuous period of 20 years. I became interested in art during my incarceration in various penal institutions. I paint 365 days per year, and I have received 37 awards. Cash sales of my paintings total more than 4000. I prefer to work in oil on portraits and hope to continue my paintings once I am released on parole". Piece comes inset a black frame--shown without frame for viewing purposes.