How my Oil Painting Journey Began
A day without painting is a wasted day. -Joni M.
McPherson
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