Joan Twining began exploring life as a visual artist as early as high school, where photography and drawing were her focus and laid the foundation for “seeing” as an artist. At the University of Vermont, she became interested in zoology and horticulture, later studying landscape design at Harvard’s Landscape Institute and starting an independent design practice while raising a family. “The practice of landscape design was a creative pursuit for me, bringing science and art together, as if painting in slow motion in three dimensions,” she observes. Studying design principles was an excellent education for painting as well.

The desire to paint in oil was always a calling, finally fulfilled with private instruction, workshops, and demos in oil and pastel with numerous generous, talented instructors from the New England region. Joan strives to capture the essence of the New England landscape, influenced by living near the coast during the summer and spending time in Vermont in past winters. “New England has such diverse landscape elements, from sea to mountain, and different seasons offering ever-changing light and color opportunities. I am continually inspired by this region.” She considers her style that of classical realism, and has an affinity for the Boston School and Cape Ann School painters. As an equestrian and animal-lover, she also paints commissions of beloved pets or images that explore animals and their relationship with humans.

Joan continues to be inspired by animals, seacoast landscapes, New England vernacular and gardens, and recently, travel to Italy, which has inspired a series. “I am drawn to these places where the power of nature and light takes your breath away. Painting is an opportunity to slow down an embrace those moments to share them with a larger audience.”

Joan is a member of Oil Painters of America, American Women Artists, The Wellesley Society of Artists, Dedham Art Association, North River Art Association, and Cape Cod Art Center. Visit her website at joantwiningfineart.com for more information or to view more of Joan’s work or to commission a painting or private instruction.