Peanut Lake in Crested Butte by Arthur Jonhsen
Artist: Arthur Johnsen
Title: Peanut Lake in Crested Butte
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Year: 2007
Dimensions: Approx. 24 x 36 inches
Framed: Yes, included (½-inch frame)
The composition centers on the deep sapphire blue of the lake, punctuated by a small, perfectly placed island. Above, the valley walls explode in a glorious mosaic of golden yellow and fiery orange, representing the iconic autumn glow of the high-altitude aspens. The rugged, purple-hued peaks of the Elk Mountains rise majestically into a bright, cloud-dotted sky, anchoring the scene with powerful verticality.
About Arthut Johnsen
Arthur Johnsen was a deeply soulful artist and Jeff’s dear friend, whose work reflected both his gentle spirit and his deep connection to the land and people of Hawai‘i. Born and raised on the islands, he dedicated his life to painting scenes that carried both cultural significance and emotional resonance. His most celebrated commission came in 2003, when the Bishop Museum selected him to paint the official portrait of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire, which now hangs at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park—a piece that continues to inspire visitors from around the world. Over the years, Arthur’s canvases captured not only the beauty of Hawai‘i’s landscapes but also its myths, traditions, and living spirit, blending realism with a touch of the mystical. His paintings have found homes in private collections and galleries alike, each one infused with his passion and reverence for the islands. To own one of his works is to carry a piece of his legacy—a legacy of artistry, aloha, and profound respect for the stories of this land.