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.

“Hi! I am an artist, maker, problem solver, and teacher, with a strong interest in how things work. After a lifetime of crafting, 25 years of silversmithing, and a deep love of nature, watercolor has become my lasting obsession. In 2011 I began taking classes from local artists, Imadiel Ariel and Nan Rumpf, and my life was changed. I love watercolor for so many reasons, but I think it’s mainly for its challenge. Every time I pick up the brush I have to be ready and present for whatever adventure, and surprise, is coming.

A few years ago I began working at the Dedham Library, offering programs for adults, and although I didn't feel like I knew quite enough to teach watercolor, I knew that if you really want to learn something, teach it! So, I taught beginner watercolor classes during the pandemic and these classes are still going. I have learned so much! Joining the Dedham Art Association has also helped me broaden my learning, through the wonderful demos and talks that have been offered, and the plein air events I've been fortunate to attend.

I recently realized that my creative work not only involves making my own art, but also creating opportunities for others to explore their world and themselves in new ways. So, I’ve taken this realization and built an online space for classes and workshops. In these classes, I try to encourage adult students to experiment and explore, to feel confidence in their own artistic abilities and discover novel ways of self-expression. This has fostered a sense of community and connection, going beyond technical skills, that makes me really happy.

Through my online platform, which is donation-based, my goal is to create a virtual space where individuals from all walks of life, and from around the world can come together to learn, grow, find inspiration, and be creative.

Crafting an Artful Life, can be found on my website, giannabird.com.

“Focusing on the constructed architecture and natural landscapes around us, I aim to frame storied perspectives that convey a sense of place and time.

From early college studies through continued workshops and self-learning, I was trained in film on the crest of the digital wave. Opportunistically combining my technical acumen, creative mindset, and explorer drive, my journey is not just about producing a finished artwork… I enjoy discovering and traveling to new places and experimenting in the field — or capturing an unexpected inspiring view along everyday routes.

Always endeavoring to evolve my techniques, I am venturing into drone photography.

I've very much enjoyed the opportunities to exhibit with the Dedham Art Association, as well as contribute some of my various talents on several volunteer projects!”

My art is the manifestation of a life-long habit of observation. I use color, shape, and line to record my impressions of the beauty and diversity of the natural world. My current work is based on daily visits to the fields and forests around my home in Medfield, MA and the observed lives of my companion animals.

“I grew up in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and spent my summers in the scientific community of Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Julie Child, a neighbor and biological illustrator, sparked my early interest in biological illustration - the accurate representation of nature in the service of science. In college, I majored in Art and Biology with a focus on medical and biological illustration. A full-time job 
in research chart illustration brought me to Boston where I attended the Boston University Graduate Program in Scientific Communication. I moved 
to Providence, RI in 1994 and worked as a scientific and technical writer while taking art courses at 
The Rhode Island School of Design, the Rhode Island Watercolor Society, and The East Side Art Center, a community studio school. I retired from writing in 2019 in order to study drawing and painting full time.”

Naomi Wilsey paints primarily in watercolors with traditional subject matter. She also paints in the Japanese brush painting style called “sumi-e” which means “ink painting.” Naomi is an art teacher and has a background in graphic design and marketing and communications. She majored in Fine Arts and Education at the University of Colorado and holds a master’s degree in Communications Management from Simmons College where she taught graduate school after graduating.

“A special part of painting to me, is to get lost in the ‘flow.’ That is, to be focused and in the moment of the process where time and place disappear. Florals, landscapes and seascapes are among my favorites for subject matter. Plein air painting is my way to connect with nature. It’s peaceful and gives me time to appreciate natural beauty,” comments Naomi.

She adds, “One quirky type of painting I do is to sketch watercolors in moving vehicles – planes, trains, cars and boats. Don’t worry. It’s when I’m a passenger. I sometimes use pen and ink before or after painting. It’s good practice because when I paint in my stationary studio or at our Dedham Art Association weekly Painting Group, it feels easier!”

In the past couple of years, Naomi has been invited to display her artwork in solo exhibitions at Goddard House Assisted Living in Brookline and Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Natick. Her paintings have been juried into national and member exhibits with New England Watercolor Society and Rhode Island Watercolor Society and exhibits at the Rockport Art Association & Museum, Gallery Twist and Zullo Gallery.

Communicating through art and about art is important to Naomi. She enjoys participating in Needham Open Studios to be able to talk with visitors about her art and processes. She’s given demonstrations / workshops and served as a juror for art associations and loves meeting other artists as a result.

Naomi is the current Programs vice president of the Dedham Art Association and a past president. She belongs to local art associations and participates yearly in Needham Open Studios.

Her career roles include public school art teacher, Advertising Manager at Prentice Hall publishing, Senior Marketing Manager for IBM and Marketing Director for Optum (United Healthcare Group.)

She paints and teaches art lessons in her home studio in Needham, MA and is married to kind and patient David, who is a member of Dedham Art Association.

Website: https://naomiwilseyart.com/

“I began drawing and coloring since I was 5 years old and developed two loves for creating colorful art and studying music— the piano. I chose to dedicate my time to piano that later became my life's profession in performing and teaching. Though I never completely abandoned art, I continued drawing as a hobby. After I married my husband, his uncle, a famous European painter, inspired and encouraged me to take up oil painting. My husband and I are from Belgrade, Serbia. We moved to Paris, New York and Boston to become US Citizens. Having more time for art, I explored pastels and watercolor then discovered my true passion for oil painting…”

“I have been involved in the art world all of my life, both professionally and personally. I taught Elementary School Art in Needham for 24 years, then Middle School Art for 3 years and I continue to be a representational artist showing work throughout New England. I feel very fortunate to have a passion and love for painting and have taken advantage of many educational opportunities. I attribute many of my accomplishments to the creative path I have taken. As a painter, I work with oil paint and soft pastels. Although oil sometimes feels more professionally acceptable, I am more partial to pastel for the vibrancy and complexity that can be achieved layering the color. Having spent many years on the Maine coast, I am often drawn to ocean and marsh themes. I love the challenge of capturing the color, light and movement. I seem to waver between power and peacefulness. I remain very grateful to have my art…”