I would refer to myself as a colorist. I enjoy bright bold colors.
Growing up on a farm in South Dakota, Arizona artist JoAnn Gourley entertained herself while creating art with pencils, scissors and crayons. She began her career painting in oils while residing in California. However, after a successful battle against breast cancer, she began using watercolors and fell in love with their wonderful brilliance and luminosity.
JoAnn’s creative process starts when something catches her eye or imagination, usually color and the play of light and shadows on or around the object. She primarily uses transparent watercolors, using the white of the paper to create the lightest values in her paintings, whether landscape, floral or still life.
Primarily a self-taught artist, JoAnn has studied with teachers both in California and Pennsylvania who helped her to develop her own style. She is currently studying with Barry Sapp, a well known western artist from Tucson, Arizona. A juried member of the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild, JoAnn has exhibited her work in numerous shows throughout California and Arizona.
JoAnn Gourley's watercolor paintings practically glow with her expert use of light and luminous color choices. Peace and serenity emanate from her work, reflecting the beauty of nature and suggesting an innate appreciation of her surroundings. Additionally, JoAnn's attention to detail gives her pieces depth and invites the viewer to further investigate.
