Joanna Athey
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After retiring and moving to Charles Town in 1994, I began taking watercolor classes from Elizabeth Smith and continued classes in Shepherdstown with Robin Young and Joe Mayer. Over the years , I have studied with noted artists from all over the country as well as Canada and England. Each instructor motivated me to learn new techniques ,sharpen skills and develop new ideas.
My work has developed from watercolor to acrylics, inks and collage. Abstracts, landscapes, still life and flowers, especially sunflowers, are my favorite subjects. Collage has allowed me to expand my watercolor and acrylic paintings to another level . I enjoy experimenting with texture and color. I create original works in my own style. I use oriental papers in many of my paintings. It comes in many different colors and textures. I save all of my discarded paintings to tear up and use in collage paintings. I’m always observant, looking for different materials that I can use. I take an experimental approach to my work , discovering new directions for my paintings. Often a realistic picture inspires an abstract painting. I concentrate on color, shape and texture developing my own style.
As a chartered member of the Potomac River Artist Guild (PRAG), I have participated in many of their shows, including the Entler Hotel and War Memorial Building in Shepherdstown, The Berkeley Springs Ice House, the Queen Street Gallery in Martinsburg and the Old Opera House in Charles Town. My paintings have been juried into shows at the Delaplaine Art Center in Frederick, Maryland, Art at the Mill in Millwood , Virginia and The Arteco Gallery in Cumberland, Maryland. My paintings have also been on display at the South Jefferson Library, The Martinsburg Public Library and the Aha Gallery in Charles Town. I am currently a member of the Washington Street Artist Co-op and paintings are on display at our Charles Town Gallery.
My work has developed from watercolor to acrylics, inks and collage. Abstracts, landscapes, still life and flowers, especially sunflowers, are my favorite subjects. Collage has allowed me to expand my watercolor and acrylic paintings to another level . I enjoy experimenting with texture and color. I create original works in my own style. I use oriental papers in many of my paintings. It comes in many different colors and textures. I save all of my discarded paintings to tear up and use in collage paintings. I’m always observant, looking for different materials that I can use. I take an experimental approach to my work , discovering new directions for my paintings. Often a realistic picture inspires an abstract painting. I concentrate on color, shape and texture developing my own style.
As a chartered member of the Potomac River Artist Guild (PRAG), I have participated in many of their shows, including the Entler Hotel and War Memorial Building in Shepherdstown, The Berkeley Springs Ice House, the Queen Street Gallery in Martinsburg and the Old Opera House in Charles Town. My paintings have been juried into shows at the Delaplaine Art Center in Frederick, Maryland, Art at the Mill in Millwood , Virginia and The Arteco Gallery in Cumberland, Maryland. My paintings have also been on display at the South Jefferson Library, The Martinsburg Public Library and the Aha Gallery in Charles Town. I am currently a member of the Washington Street Artist Co-op and paintings are on display at our Charles Town Gallery.