Joan’s love of art developed at an early age and continued into college at Eastern Washington University. She received her BA in Recreational Administration with special studies in art and recreational therapy for working with handicapped children. She continues her professional contacts through membership with the Yakima Valley Artists Association, Larson Gallery Guild, and National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society (NOAPS).

Joan’s work is representational in nature and includes a wide range of subjects. Life took an abrupt turn at age 22 after a skydiving accident while practicing for regional competition left her partially paralyzed. The active outdoor lifestyle changed in intensity, but she continues to pursue outdoor activities with husband Larry and with the aid of crutches and braces. Joan keeps a backpack of art supplies for Plein Aire outings which keeps her in the outdoors where she loves to be.

“A picture is just a fleeting moment in time,” states Joan. “Each moment is not its own; not a means within itself, or of itself, but a culmination of events leading up to and beyond that moment; as is life. Wait for it. Look for it. There is so much beauty around us and life lessons to be learned. Hang on to the beauty.”