Artist Statement
Massachusetts watercolor painter, Joanne Donovan was born and raised in a remote northern part of New Hampshire. She had limited exposure to art but the name and work of Norman Rockwell had sparked her interest. She set up a small studio space and began to draw in her basement. She studied as an art major at the University of Wyoming and obtained a Bachelor's in Art at Castleton State College, Vermont but later followed through with some illustration courses at the Art Institute of Boston which was her initial love. This is where she was reintroduced to watercolor painting and fell in love with its magical ways. Pen and ink, colored pencil and pencil were her favored medium for years. She always had a love for watercolor and finally decided to set aside her pencil work and concentrate her work on watercolor painting. Her subjects are drawn from nature perhaps an influence from her childhood living in the countryside. She is currently a Signature member of the Rhode Island Watercolor Society and the New England Watercolor Society.
Watercolor is an interesting medium for its spontaneity and vibrant colors. It has facets and complexities that make watercolor painting challenging and always full of surprises. I like how its transparency allows the light into the painting and its vividness just catches your eye. It has an endless array of possibilities that sparks my curiosity and ambition to master this medium. I guarantee the quality of my work by using the highest-rated watercolor paint for my palette and I use 100% cotton rag, PH neutral watercolor paper to ensure its longevity.