Yetsa's Sweater

Joan has been involved in the arts all of her life. An early interest in art led her to study at the Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta; the University of Victoria and the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Her career experiences have included graphic design, illustration and managing her own gallery and framing business in Palm Desert, California. She has worked professionally as an artist since 1986. Joan specializes in equine art work, often drawing upon her background of landscape and figurative painting to create her work. Although well versed in a variety of art mediums, her preference to work primarily with pastels is due to the exceptional colour effects that can be achieved when working with sticks of pure pigment. She has a particular fascination with utilizing light, shadow and colour to develop atmosphere in her work. Her subjects have been described as "sensitive portrayals, so life like that the personalities shine through." Although Joan teaches courses and workshops in pastels, she continues to study under other respected professional artists. As a dedicated and disciplined artist, she is continually refining and enhancing her skills. Joan's work has won many awards and been featured in several publications. She is an Associate Member of the prestigious American Academy of Equine Art (AAEA); and Associate Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists (FCA); and has attained the Premier Pastelist designation from the Pastel Society of Canada (PPC). Her work can be found in numerous private and public international collections. Her home and studio are located on a scenic acreage in the Qualicum Beach area of Vancouver Island.