Don Johnson Jr.

Military Service

Branch: Navy
Dates: From to

“Albuquerque’s Renaissance Man”

Don Johnson Jr. is a modern-day Renaissance Man. For over 40 years, he has been creating art for the enjoyment of others. Mr. Johnson was born in Louisiana, but grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and attended college at UNM. In college, Mr. Johnson was a cartoonist for the University of New Mexico Daily Lobo. After graduating college with a Bachelor’s of Science he joined the United States Navy and became a helicopter pilot. After serving as a helicopter pilot, Mr. Johnson attended law school at Golden Gate Law School in San Francisco. Shortly after starting his first year at Johnson Family Law P.C. in Albuquerque, New Mexico Mr. Johnson was called to serve in Baghdad, Iraq. Mr. Johnson created an art gallery inside the T-Walls that prevented bombs from destroying the Containerized Housing Units (CHUs). The art he created inspired others to create art alongside his, and the area was transformed into an uplifting display of beauty inside the war zone. He was featured on the cover of VFW Magazine : June/July 2020 (qwinc.com). Mr. Johnson retired from the United States Navy in 2017.

Awards, Recognition and Publications

• 1st prize for oil paintings at the New Mexico Veterans’ Art Show in 2017.
• The Defense Meritorious Service Medal from the Secretary of Defense for exceptionally meritorious service in the armed forces of the United States, 2011.
• 1st prize for paintings in the New Mexico State Fair, 1986.
• In 2017 he published a book titled, “Who Gets The Piano Tonight?” a book focused on the figure artists of Albuquerque.
• Navy Pistol Expert Medal, 1997 and 2010
• Five of Mr. Johnson’s paintings have been featured on the cover of the New Mexico State Bar Bulletin.
• Mr. Johnson’s paintings, made a cameo appearances on the television series “Better Call Saul”, S4 E10 ‘Winner’.
• Recently he published a calendar of oil paintings of the animals at the Rio Grande Zoo in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• Lieutenant Commander Johnson was featured on the cover of the Tigris Times for his art at the end of his tour in 2011.
• In 2020 he published a book titled “Drawing Inspirations” a book focused on the figure models in Albuquerque.
• Featured in the ABQ Journal July 20, 2024 – New Mexico Veterans Art group uses creativity to heal trauma | Lifestyle | abqjournal.com