 Portfolio of
Joan Meade
View Artist Statement
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Gallery Direct Interview with JOAN MEADE
Joan creates her artwork by applying various acrylic media to the painting surface, reflecting water, rocks and trees (her favorite subjects). At this interim stage, she has created a white composition in relief, thus the term “sculptural acrylics”. She then applies the color for richness of detail, and to bring out further the contrast in textures found in nature. Capturing the play of light on her subject draws the viewer into the scene, which reflects a moment in time and allows them to feel the warmth or coolness of the subject that lies before them.
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I understand you have painted most of your life. Did your parents give you the encouragement you needed? Were there other artists in your family?
My mother was also a visual artist, and encouraged me by allowing me to play with her supplies, and later offering guidance when I created more finished pieces. I have carried on the tradition with my son. We shared a studio for two years before his marriage, and that created a synergistic atmosphere for both of us
When did you decide to become a full-time artist and what was the reason you made this decision?
I have always wanted to be an artist, but chose architecture in order to be able to make a living. I continued painting as an avocation until 2001 when I retired from architecture, and then started painting full time. I took a course based on Julia Cameron's book, “ The Artist's Way”, which gave me the courage to exhibit and sell my work, beginning in 2003.
What formal or informal training have you found most useful during your career?
By taking workshops with artists whose work I admire, I am encouraged to try new techniques and explore new avenues of expression. This is a continuous process.
What kinds of images did you first start out with and what medium or mediums did you use at that time?
I have always been drawn to landscapes, but in early days figures and animals would be the focus. They have since become an occasional accent. I worked in oils, but also did a lot of sketching with ink, charcoal and pastels.
What is your medium of choice now and why that medium?
I discovered acrylics in the 1970's and haven't looked back! It is so versatile, adapts to a myriad of techniques, and is great for collages. I also appreciate that it is fast drying and easy to clean up.
I understand a lot of your work is inspired by your travels; do you have a sketch or an idea before you start to paint?
My usual way is to start with a charcoal sketch, choosing a scene I remember from my travels. I usually have multiple photographs on hand, which enables me to select elements best suited to my composition. If I am fortunate enough to spend a length of time in one location, I return to the scene again and again, to capture it in different lights and weathers. I also feel free to “cut down” a tree or move a rock. I try to capture the authentic spirit, rather than photographic verisimilitude.
Is there any way in which you produce your art that you feel is unique or unusual?
I'm told that although many artists use acrylic media to build up texture, it is rare to use them the way I do, that is, to create a realistic landscape or seascape. I could also say that every original artwork by any artist is unique in it's own way.
What is your ideal working atmosphere?
I must have classical music. I am fortunate to live where there is a classical music radio station, and it's on all the time. I sometimes find myself applying brush strokes in the rhythm of what I'm hearing! I need to shut out the everyday world, which is why there's no phone or computer in my studio.
What are your favorite pieces of work you have done and why are they your favorites?
My favorites tend to be my most recent ones. These reflect what I am trying to achieve: rich texture, reflection of nature, yet with a bit of mystery. My all time favorite is one that's never been on public view, a 3 ft by 8 ft ink sketch on brown paper of 4 horses. I did this in 1963 while I was in the US Peace Corps in Tunisia. After more than forty years, it still speaks to me.
Could you tell us what your definition of art is?
Art is the soul's expression, through visual images, words or music, and sometimes all three.
If you were to give an artist just starting out some advice, what would that be?
Take a class with a nurturing artist, experiment with different media and techniques to find your “voice”, and don't be hesitant to paint over or throw away failures.
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