Held at the Project 210 Gallery, the small live-and-work space nestled in a cluster of other studios set the mood for Johnson’s “Vistas” pieces.

“It’s a different direction from other paintings I’ve done,” said Johnson, the director of art galleries at the University of La Verne.

“This is balance between architecture and atmosphere,” Johnson said.

The galley was buzzing the day of the opening.

“This takes more chances and counts on few ingredients to make it work,” Johnson said.

The works, created mostly with acrylics, showed vibrant and muted colors painted in vast large non-linear lines.

Johnson said his work is accessible to most viewers.

“It’s a departure from before. It’s play and organic, yet still architectural, different but still alive and fun,” said Daniela Kamp-Taylor, who attended the opening.

Johnson, originally from Ohio, received his bachelor’s degree in fine arts form Ohio state University and then went on to Claremont Graduate University where he obtained his masters of fine art.

Johnson has also been featured in several other exhibits, both locally and in New York, Florida and Ohio.

“In general, we try to show art that is diverse. The last show we did was a sculpture and our next opening is featuring a black and white photo set,” said Quinton Bemiller, who runs the Project 210 gallery.

“This is the first show we’ve had Dion in.”

The exhibit runs until May 30, and hours and location can be found at www.project210.org.

David deBos can be reached at david.debos@laverne.edu.