about
education
Joan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with a minor in art from the University of Illinois, where she began painting in watercolors under Edward Betts and also began oil painting. Then she took drawing classes at the Art Institute of Chicago and later studied figure drawing at the American Academy of Art.
traditional art
Joan studied traditional art for six years in the studio of the late California Art Club Artist Joanne Rossman, using charcoal, oils and watercolors. During this time she determined the purpose of her paintings: "I strive to portray the excitement and beauty that inspired me to create the work of art."
watercolors
To brush up on watercolors for use in greeting cards, Joan enrolled in classes taught by Marsha Sorey, MA, who generously supported her students in their efforts to show and sell their paintings. This was a turning point, and painting--in oils or in watercolors--became a passion in Joan's life. She continues to learn more through self-study, by taking classes from notable artists and also by painting as often as possible.
tustin
Joan was active in the art community in Tustin and served as the Program Director and acting President of the Tustin Art League. During 2001 she helped the owner of Tustin House and Garden build an art element by directing the small inside gallery, as well as organizing and participating in outside events on the weekends and special occasions. While in Tustin she displayed her paintings at the Salon Gallery and in venues of the Tustin Art League.
current
Now living in Riverside, CA, she participates at local venues, such as the Riverside Art Museum and the Riverside Community Arts Association. She is a Charter Member, as well as the Programs board member, of the Plein Air Artists of Riverside, affiliated with the Riverside Art Museum. She also chairs or co-chairs some of its special events, including PAAR's annual "Au Naturel" plein air painting exhibition at RCAA. Over the 2005 Labor Day weekend she participated in Idyllwild's Plein Air Art Festival, where her painting won a ribbon and was sold. She actively promoted and participated in PAAR's first Paint Out week, Oct. 30 to Nov. 6, 2005, and she was Co-Chair of PAAR's second Paint Out Week, Oct. 28 to Nov. 5, 2006. She participated in the Redlands Centennial (Fall, 2007), Redlands Art Association/Redlands Conservancy Open Air in January, 2008 (Second Place), PAAR's third Paint Out week (Jan. 2008), the Ralph Love Plein Air Competition (June, 2008), Idyllwild's September, 2008, Plein Air Art Festival (Honorable Mention) and Redlands Art Association/Redlands Conservancy Plein Air Exhibition Nov. 23-29, 2008 (2nd Place).
As an Associate Artist of the California Art Club, Joan has participated in some of its opportunities, most notably some of the recent juried exhibitions in the historic Blinn House in Pasadena.
photo
In the photo Joan is on location painting.