Ihave had a love affair with animals since a small child . . . walking my neighbor’s dogs . . . walking to the Sunset stables . . . and bringing home a crippled kitten. My passion with art is to capture the soul of my creatures in their eyes and facial expressions.
The artist, Joette, with some of her work
A self-taught traditional artist, I rely on nature for inspiration. Wild animals are such a beautiful creation and I am dedicated to preserve them in my art. I use photography to achieve the photo-realistic type of illustrations I enjoy painting and drawing. My subjects are usually in action rather than a stationary position such as horses running with wind in their manes or big cats on the prowl.
My favorite medium is pencil with charcoal for deep shadows, and watercolor next. Wildlife and pet portraits are my best subjects, which gave me a great reason to donate 10% of my net profit to some favorite wildlife charities. This way I can give back to the planet and help care for the beautiful creatures that live here with us. There are so many more pencil and watercolor drawings to create.
I was raised in Los Angeles, drawing horses and dogs from about the age of five. I studied art and design in college and was a commercial artist for fifteen years. My favorite vacation places are the National parks; they are places to be close to nature. For nine years, I lived in the Pacific Northwest close to the habitat of many of these beautiful creatures. I recently moved back to Los Angeles where I can finally be a full time artist and this is my passion.
My philosophy is — life is getting short enjoy your passions!
RECENT EXHIBITIONS
May 19, 2011 – June 11, 2011, SFVAC Member’s Spring Juried Show, at Gallery 800, at the Historic Lankershim Arts Center, “Stalker In The Trees” and “African King” were on exhibit.
Oct. 31, 2010 – Dec. 12, 2010, SFVAC Member’s Fall Juried Show, Images and Reflections at The Finegood Art Gallery, Bernard Milken Jewish Community Campus, “What’s Up!” — Received Best in Show
May 19 – June 5, 2010, SFVAC Member’s Spring Show, Views & Visions, “Tiger Tiger Where” — Received Honorable Mention
The Artist Magazine Over 60 Competition (Watching) — Judging results pending.
2011 Topanga Canyon Gallery Juried Open, Three Entries, — Judging results pending.
AWARDS
2010 Best in Show, Images & Reflections Juried Member Show, SFVAC, Finegood Art Gallery
2010 Honorable Mention, View & Visions Spring Juried Exhibit, SFVAC, Viva Gallery
2010 First Place, San Fernando Valley February Mini Show
2009 Second Place, San Fernando Valley September Mini Show
2001 Honorable Mention, Yaquina Art Association Gallery Show
EDUCATION
1989 – 1991 El Camino Community College
1985 – 1987 Pasadena Community College
1984 Otis College of Art and Design
1982 – 1983 East Los Angeles Occupational Centers — Commercial Art