"Wild Horses" Painting

Joan was born in East London, South Africa. After a long career as a kindergarten teacher, in 1980 Joan & her family immigrated to America. She began her painting career in 1981. Joan studied for five years with Marge Brichler, who insisted her students have a minimum two years drawing experience before attempting watercolor. After this solid foundation she continued her studies with many other Houston and nationally recognized instructors, including; Steven Quiller, Polly Hammett, Douglas Walton, Robert E. Wood, and Annell Livingston. She has also studied at the Art League of Houston, the Glassell School of Art (Museum of Fine Arts, Houston), and at the Louisiana Technical University Summer School in Ruston, Louisiana. Her work has been exhibited throughout the United States. In 1988, she participated in a Three Woman Show at the Watercolor Art Society of Houston. She was one of fifteen artists chosen to exhibit for “Introducing Aquamedia ’88″, also at the Watercolor Art Society of Houston. In May 1990, she exhibited in a Four Woman Show at the O’Kane Gallery at University of Houston. In September 1991, her first solo exhibit was held at the Center for the Arts and Sciences gallery at Brazosport (Lake Jackson, Texas). To commemorate the 500th anniversary of The Spanish Inquisition, Joan was invited to hang a body of her work at the Jewish Community Center of Houston. Joan is a Signature Member of the Texas Watercolor Society, and has been honored with the Purple Sage Brush award. In 1992 she was granted Signature Status by the National Watercolor Society. She is a signature member of the Georgia Watercolor Society. Settling in Pasadena California in November 2003, she has started an artists club at the Pasadena Senior Center, providing a forum for artists to come together to paint, draw, and discuss their art. The club is purely for camaraderie. They meet twice a month in an atmosphere of friendship and harmony. Joan passed away on February 13, 2015 after her long battle with cancer.