Some of Joe's earliest memories are camping trips to the Eastern High Sierras and
taking walks with his father down the railroad tracks to the rabbit fields near his home.
This was his wilderness as a child and he credits his father for his early introduction to
nature and the outdoors.
Joe's first art instruction began early in school when he would receive instruction on how
to create shadows on simple shapes using a pencil and paper. This really began Joe's
enthusiasm for drawing. One summer while visiting an art fair in Mammoth Lakes
California he came across some drawings by Helen Seal, a southern California artist.
The beautiful simplicity of her High Sierra sketches made a lasting impression on the
young artist. At that moment he says, "This was something I knew I wanted to do." His
mother recognizing his obvious enthusiasm purchased one of her drawings, which still
hangs in his studio.
He admires contemporary artists such as Clyde Aspevig, Kathryn Stats, Matt Smith and
T. Allen Lawson as well as many others. He has studied with Gil Dellinger, Albert Handel,
John Budicin and Frank Serrano.
"Although I may be attracted to a certain subject, it is always my goal to move beyond a
literal translation and say something special about light and color as I respond to a place
or scene".
Joe is a signature member with the Pastel Society of America and in 2007 The Pastel
Society of the West Coast elected Joe to "Distinguished Pastelist." This is one of the
highest honors to achieve as a pastel painter. He is also a member of Oil Painters Of
America, Laguna Plein Air Painters and The Pastel Society Of Southern California. His
work has been published in the Pastel Journal’s “The Years Best” in 2004, 2005 and
2009. His collectors have included film producer Lawrence Kasden and actor Kevin
Kneeland. His work has exhibited in the Napa Valley Art Museum and hangs in private
collections throughout Norh America.
Photo: Carl Mancuso