JoAnn Mathew
Bio
I’m originally from Iowa, and I’ve lived many places. I’m a self-taught artist that learned from everybody I have met, and found my own way. I taught it Trinidad State Junior college in Colorado for six years. I’ve done workshops all over the country and many many shows including the mountain oyster club show in Tucson, Arizona. I truly find myself dreaming of the next subject and can’t wait to decide what medium is perfect for creating it. I grew up in Grant Wood Country and was always fascinated by animals, cowboys, horses and dogs. I always saw colors and scenes differently than other people saw things. The tilt of a head or the color of a sunset was an inspiration for a painting or a sketch.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a passion for sharing my talent through teaching and instruction. I’ve taught at Trinidad State Junior College in Colorado, as well as private lessons and workshops all over the country. I also had a studio in the A.R. Mitchell Museum in Trinidad, Co. for many years. I’ve won many local and national shows and awards, and participated in the prestigious Mountain Oyster Club Show in Tucson, Az. In 2014 I moved to Lebanon, Tennessee where I’ve continued my passion for painting.
Describe your art/craft (medium, process, etc).
I started in watercolor, but soon decided I needed to try other mediums. I now work in all mediums. I love oils, watercolor and pastels and often dabble in other mediums.
What drives you to make your art/craft?
I really have no choice, but to make art it is a passion. Anything alive such as people, animals or nature are always an inspiration for my work.
Who or what are your greatest influences?
I have so many influences and find enjoyment working with a variety of mediums. I see art in everyday situations and all situations in life. I’m most passionate when painting people and animals. Some of my favorite creations have come from the simplest daily scenes such as puppies playing or a cowboy on a horse. I love painting animals—even my landscapes will have animals in it. I love figures. I love color. In my travels further west, I’ve become more and more fascinated with western artistic influences and cowboy art. My greatest desire is that my next painting will be my greatest masterpiece.
How does living in Tennessee influence and inspire your art?
I love the old Barnes the old farmsteads Tennessee is beautiful.
Beyond your art/craft, what are your other interests?
I have two African grey parrots and a few canaries I’m breeding. I also have two dogs. I’ve done National Dog shows, The National Western Stock Show, and The International Arabian Horse Show.
Anything else you want to share?
I love to teach and I love to share and I love it when someone says you can’t do that. That’s just a challenge.
