How my Oil Painting Journey Began

I was born in New York State, and moved to California in 1962. I am married and live and teach in my studio in Valley Springs, California. From as early as I can remember I was always doodling and drawing. My homework in school sometimes would become art projects that were put on display in the school hallways.
Raising a family didn't keep me from creating my art; I painted murals on my children's bedroom walls. I really got the painting bug when a neighbor of mine in Southern California was taking private lessons in oil painting. She asked me to come and see what she had painted. I was so jealous and I wanted to get my hands on a brush and paint. Unfortunately I wasn't able to take lessons, so I went to Standard Brands, which was a paint store that carried art supplies and bought 3 tubes of oil paint, white, orange, black and a large 24 x 36 inch canvas. I didn't know what I was doing, but I taught myself through trial and error. I had my mind's eye go to work for me and painted my three children holding hands running through a meadow.

With three colors I was limited. It became a sunset with an orange glow and silhouettes of the children in black. I didn't really know how to compose a painting on a canvas. I still have that painting and show it to my students for encouragement. After that "Masterpiece", I bought several smaller canvases and more colors. I painted a horse running in a field, and a seagull flying. These are the three paintings that my husband Tim saw that made him aware that I should give up my dream to be a Dentist and go into art. I had already become a Dental Assistant and was taking more dental classes in crown and bridge. I don't regret my career change and love to go to work (it isn't work to me) in my studio every day. A day without painting is a wasted day. I bought many books and videos to educate myself and took many lessons from well know artist such as Martin Weekly, Bill Blackman, Buck Paulson, Valerie Stewart, Mary Carol and Julie Kelly and more. My cherished dream has come true. I love to see my students create a painting when they had never touched a paintbrush before. My greatest joy is to create my own paintings. Children are my favorite subjects. With all our grandchildren, I have a long list of models to paint from.
I believe my talent is a gift from God, and in exchange I give back by painting pictures of lost loved ones or our brave soldiers who gave their lives for us.

I usually see tears when I present the painting, but I know they are tears of joy.
I take pride when my students win at the fair. I am so proud of them.
My work has appeared in U. S. Art and South West Art.
I love to paint and couldn't imagine not being able to do so.
Publishing my first Art book was an exciting adventure.
Enjoy my book and become inspired as I did. I am always learning and creating.
Love you all,
Joni