Lester F. Johnson: A Figure in the Urban Landscape Lester Frederick Johnson (1919-2010) wasn’t a name immediately recognized by the public, yet his work quietly held a significant place within the pantheon of New York School painters. He was an American figurative expressionist who dedicated his career to capturing the essence of the human figure amidst the vibrant, often gritty, backdrop of New York City. More than simply depicting individuals, Johnson sought to distill the spirit and energy of urban life—the anonymous faces in crowded streets, the fleeting moments of connection, and the un…