Elmer Ellsworth Johnson: Capturing the Southwest and Beyond Elmer Ellsworth Johnson, often simply known as Elmer Johnson, remains a quietly compelling figure in American landscape painting of the early 20th century. Born in Beardstown, Illinois, in 1884, his artistic journey led him to capture the evocative beauty of both the American Southwest and the European countryside – a duality reflected in the nuanced palettes and thoughtful compositions that define his work. While not widely celebrated during his lifetime, Johnson’s paintings offer a unique perspective on the era, blending realism w…