In the serene small town of Granite City, Illinois, nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, JoAnne Crowson was born, and it is where her journey began. Though her early years were steeped in the melodies of music rather than the hues of paint, young JoAnne's world was a kaleidoscope of instrumental harmonies. From the piano and organ to the clarinet and flute, her childhood was a symphony of sound. Restricted by the school's policies that confined her to music classes only, JoAnne's artistic potential remained unexplored until much later in life.
It was not until her retirement from a long and fulfilling career in the corporate world that JoAnne discovered that the artistic essence she believed absent from her life was merely untapped. A technology and project management professional by training, she dismissed any thought of artistic prowess, making a living through logic and structure. Upon her retirement as an independent contractor, her daughter suggested she try flow painting—a whimsical technique that quickly spiraled into a newfound passion. The chemistry of paint and color theory became her playground, though this initial foray did not fully quench her creative thirst. Transitioning from flow painting, she began experimenting with brushes and delving into the works of diverse artists on YouTube, which led her to enroll in online art classes. What began as tentative steps soon morphed into an obsession, a compulsion to create.
Interestingly, JoAnne’s artistic lineage includes an aunt who turned to painting in her retirement. JoAnne’s admiration for her aunt’s work was a precursor to her own voyage into art. But JoAnne's formal education resided far from this realm; she was a technologist at heart. Only through digital mentorships and online platforms did she cultivate her fine art skills.
Her life post-schooling seamlessly transitioned from domestic bliss to technological endeavors. Marriage and family paved her way from Southern Illinois to the colder climates of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Her professional ascent saw her leading technological projects and even catering to creative domains like web design. Yet, she never equated these tasks with a creative outlet. It took nearing retirement for her to fully commit to painting, retrospection revealing to her that it wasn't a lack of creativity but a lack of trying that had kept her from it all these years.
JoAnne draws her inspiration from the vibrant world around her. The azure skies, lush landscapes, and the captivating blues of the Southwest Florida seas influence her profoundly. Her connection with music deeply informs her art; the tunes in her studio shape both the mood and the direction of each piece. Nature's splendor also imprints itself onto her canvases, echoing the beauty she observes daily.
Entering her studio is an adventure. She begins by splashing layers of color onto a canvas, teasing out values, contrasts, and hues. By the third layer, the artwork starts to reveal itself to her, guiding her subsequent moves. The journey is one of discovery and refinement, culminating in detailed compositions that vibrate with life.
JoAnne's technique evolved from a synthesis of various artistic influences, enabling her to craft a distinctive style. Her art—marked by bright, bold colors and dynamic movement—stands out in its uniqueness. Some of her most rewarding projects have been those that allowed complete creative freedom, yielding pieces that resonated deeply with their audiences.
Her contributions extend beyond creating art; she is an active member of the artistic community. JoAnne belongs to several esteemed organizations, including the Marco Island Center for the Arts and the United Arts Council of Collier County. She also holds a leadership role as the First Vice President of the Art Council of Southwest Florida.
Her vibrant work finds homes in various galleries, including COCO Art Gallery in Estero and Naples, Florida. Additionally, her painted jewelry boxes are showcased at Gallery One in Naples, Florida. JoAnne’s work has not gone unnoticed; she secured third place in the Bucolic Florida art show and garners admiration in publications like Artistonish Magazine and Gulf Shore Life magazine.
Notable achievements include her mixed media painting 'Crescendo' featured in the 34th edition of Spotlight Magazine and her piece 'Own Your Dreams' published in Artistonish. Her work has garnered international recognition, with pieces selected for exhibitions such as the Biafarin Awards 2022 and Exhibizone's True Beauty and Happiness showcases.
For JoAnne, creativity extends beyond the canvas. She continues to play the piano, develop websites for nonprofits, and dedicate her time to arts advocacy in Southwest Florida. Her goals are clear: to expand her art business, attract collectors, and continually grow through gallery representation or independent sales.
JoAnne Crowson's journey from a retired technologist to a fervent artist epitomizes the transformative power of creativity. Her vibrant, dynamic art not only decorates walls but also ignites imaginations, demonstrating the boundless possibilities of rediscovery and reinvention in the world of art.
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