Growing up in New England not far from the sea and living for a decade in the nurturing Green Mountains of Vermont, fostered in Joan an enduring love for the spirit and wisdom of the land. Her unique landscapes, seascapes and botanical paintings inspire a renewed appreciation for the world around us. At the heart of Joan’s work is an empathy and deep respect for the simple beauty of the earth and nature.

Over the last 30 years Joan has enjoyed a broad spectrum of professional collaborations and endeavors from bird illustrations to stained glass. She received her undergraduate and graduate education at Skidmore College, Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Art and Architecture. She has collaborated on projects with many environmental organizations and museums including UNICEF, the National Wildlife Federation, World Wildlife Fund Canada, Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Association, The Ontario Herbalist Association, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Fine Arts Museum of Boston, The McMichael Collection and others.

Joan is currently a self employed artist working from Natural Light Studio in Toronto.

"There are certain special moments, an unusual slant of light, a splash of colour, a fleeting reflection, the feel of the wind or mist, that awaken us and remind us of the extraordinary magic of life. These moments, however brief, breathe life into the daily round. For me this happens in nature. It is the light and specialness of a seemingly ordinary scene that draws me to paint it...to spend time with it... and hopefully to share the inspiration of it."