studio portrait

















figtalk

Meet the Artist


Painting, for me, is such a delight. I have always been a visual person, constantly entertaining myself with all that I see, getting lst in textures, shadows, light, color and details. With great patience, I try to capture the beauty of nature or the essence of a face in my watercolors and oils. My greatest thrill is that others can see the joy that I feel. The satisfaction comes, not just from selling a painting, but perfecting it to the best of my abilities before it leaves my studio. -- Joanne Tepper

Biography

They are not “just a couple of figs.” Each one is different, with its own personality and they seem to be talking with one another in a strange landscape. Such are the subjects that intrigue Joanne Tepper and compel her to paint. In her latest series of fruits and vegetables, she portrays them with uncommon emotional expression. The finished still life is serene and balanced, yet unusual and very contemporary.


Joanne Tepper keeps an eye out for those special objects that happen to turn up. Some pears brought by a friend that have wonderful leaves attached. Dark plums with golden spots from the farmer’s market. An onion that sprouts green shoots in her pantry. “One is always an artist and looking about for the next painting,” she says. The subjects are often placed on her kitchen counter and photographed from several angles. She plays with possible compositions until her very personal vision emerges. Perhaps the pears could be set against a cloudy sky or in a dark landscape. A light drawing is made on a masonite hardboard which has been treated with several coats of gesso and sanded smooth. Using oil paints and various mediums she begins the process of applying many layers. Painting slowly and meticulously, the forms gradually emerge with ultra realistic detail. Even a bruise on a pear will get her attention. A glowing, jewel-like surface is attained after many hours of work.

Joanne Tepper was always interested in art. Even as a small child, she was drawing portraits of family members whenever they would hold still. It was inevitable that she would study art in school, and she earned a B.A. in fine art from U.C.L.A. After raising her two sons, she continued her art education in workshops with Gary Pruner, Jim Estey, Anita Wolff, Gary Akers and Arnie Westerman.

Joanne Tepper’s work has been recognized nationally in many juried shows, collecting “Best of Show,” “People’s Choice” and “Purchase” awards. She has been selected twice to show at the prestigious Crocker Kingsley Exhibition at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, as well as at the California State Fair (professional category), the I. Magnin Gallery, and last year, had a one person show at Gallery One in Petaluma, CA. She was thrilled to be selected to participate in the American Watercolor Association’s International Exhibition in New York City where her painting was shown along with one of Andrew Wyeth’s. She has recently been featured in the International Artist’s Publication of “How Did You Paint That? 100 Ways to Paint Still Life and Florals,” vol. 2. And she has just been selected to participate in the annual Sonoma County Artrails (an open studio tour).

Through the years, Joanne Tepper has worked in various mediums and subject matter. She has brought her creative talents to painting portraits, florals, wild life, and still life in watercolor, egg tempera and, most recently, oil. Presently, she can be found painting happily in her studio in the old brick Hatchery Building at 7th and F Street, in Petaluma, California. She shares the building with eleven other artists and welcomes visitors by appointment.


Education