About the Artist

Joanne B. Drapkin has wanted to be an artist since she was introduced to oil painting when she was eleven years old. At Martin Van Buren High School in Queens,New York, she had the good fortune of being placed in honor’s art for three years to explore the many techniques and styles she thought she might want to pursue in college as an art major.

While attending Ohio University, she discovered another passion: teaching.  After educating children with special needs for 24 years and third graders for 6 more years Joanne was able to retire. She often used her art skills and talents in the classroom.

Her new goals at the age of 55 were to study with as many art teachers as possible, and to learn everything she could in the world of art. She had a lot of catching up to do.  Soon, she found that whatever made her happy, she hoped would make others happy. Joanne focused on bright colors, shapes, and mixed media. Often “mistakes” would take her down other avenues experimenting with new ways of conveying her visual stories.

        Joanne has gotten inspiration from her many travels around the world. Recently, she spent three weeks in Guatemala. She has also visited Mexico, Central & Latin America, Europe, Canada, USA and Israel. Many of her creations reflect these adventures.

         She hopes to convey her love of texture, vivid colors and forms (recognizable and not) to the viewer. She also creates one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry using paper, clay, beads and more.

           Mostly, Joanne wishes that whoever sees her art, walks away feeling better about their life and the world.