Name: Joan Finnegan
Website: http://www.jonifinnegan.com/
Email: finnridge@hotmail.com
What kind of art do you make? I make representational oil and watercolor paintings of nature.
What kind of art do you make? I make representational oil and watercolor paintings of nature.
When did you start creating art? At a very young age- pre school, I began with drawing on every scrap of paper I could find. My older siblings had paper routes in the days when the stacks arrived with a blank newspaper on the top and the bottom. Those blank newspapers were my daily tablet, I didn't stop until they were filled up. I drew everything, but especially liked people, and nature. I quickly moved into colors and had my first set of stick paints at the age of 8.
How did you get started? Art has always been a part of my life in some form or another, it has evolved thru the years to reflect my life path in numerous ways. From painting store front window and wall murals, to decorative painting on walls and any non moving surface, and canvas. When I married and raised my two incredible daughters my creativity was directed in other ways leaning toward the crafts world, with a few paintings here and there, continuing thru 18 years of owning a gallery with prints and framing. Through all those years I kept telling myself someday I was going to be a "real artist" no longer setting aside the creative voice inside for other life events. In 2005 I found the courage to say this is it, now is my time, no more excuses. All those years of pent up inspiration began pouring out on canvas, I quickly realized the journey and my experiences of those previous years is an important part of my art today.
How did you get started? Art has always been a part of my life in some form or another, it has evolved thru the years to reflect my life path in numerous ways. From painting store front window and wall murals, to decorative painting on walls and any non moving surface, and canvas. When I married and raised my two incredible daughters my creativity was directed in other ways leaning toward the crafts world, with a few paintings here and there, continuing thru 18 years of owning a gallery with prints and framing. Through all those years I kept telling myself someday I was going to be a "real artist" no longer setting aside the creative voice inside for other life events. In 2005 I found the courage to say this is it, now is my time, no more excuses. All those years of pent up inspiration began pouring out on canvas, I quickly realized the journey and my experiences of those previous years is an important part of my art today.
What inspires you? So many things inspire me, a special moment, the way the light falls on an object, the great artists who walked this earth before me. Other artwork and artists I know and respect, and nature's gift of this beautiful world we have the privilege to live.
How did you develop your style? It has evolved thru the years by trying different techniques, lots of trial and error, and listening to my inner voice.
How did you learn? Drawing, painting, and drawing, painting,,,,,
Lots of trial and error, studying the works of the masters, trying new techniques, and taking numerous workshops and classes from artists who's work I admire and respect. And from teaching others how to paint and draw. I think we learn from all of life's lessons.
How do you work best? On my own, with fresh air flowing thru my studio or in the fresh outdoor air. I prefer to stand at the easel.
How do you work best? On my own, with fresh air flowing thru my studio or in the fresh outdoor air. I prefer to stand at the easel.
How do you approach a new piece? I look at the abstract shapes involved with the composition. I do a miniature sketch or two to get the right composition and see values.
What have you learned? to trust my inner instincts, and that not every painting is "the one"
How do you fit art into your personal/family life? My best art happens when I am happy. It is certainly easier with an empty nest. In these years I've finally found a balance that works for me.
I love to garden and cook, and my family is clearly my highest priority. I realize that I draw inspiration from the things that sometimes take me away from my art. My family knows that if I am pulled away from my art for too long I get uneasy and maybe just a little crabby. Instead of looking at each day for time to create, I look at the entire week for my balance, sometimes I get 2 or 3 days of pure painting time.
Where do you work? Mostly in my studio, located in the lower walk out level of my home. I have my own oasis down there, a great couch for napping even! I do paint outdoors en plein air quite a bit, that takes me all over the area, state, and country.
I love to garden and cook, and my family is clearly my highest priority. I realize that I draw inspiration from the things that sometimes take me away from my art. My family knows that if I am pulled away from my art for too long I get uneasy and maybe just a little crabby. Instead of looking at each day for time to create, I look at the entire week for my balance, sometimes I get 2 or 3 days of pure painting time.
Where do you work? Mostly in my studio, located in the lower walk out level of my home. I have my own oasis down there, a great couch for napping even! I do paint outdoors en plein air quite a bit, that takes me all over the area, state, and country.
What is your favorite thing about creating? It releases a joy inside me. Also, I feel that we are all given gifts, those gifts are best when they are shared. My art is my way of sharing my gifts with the world.
Why do you enjoy the art tour? I get to meet new people, as an artist, we spend a lot of solo time, and I enjoy interfacing with my collectors, getting to know them. After all, without them I couldn't continue to support this habit we call art.
Where are you located? 5 miles south of Lanesboro as the crow flies. I am on county road 12, that small 5 mile section sandwiched between highway 52 south and county 21 south. 3.5 miles from the Preston direction,,, or 1.4 miles driving in from the Lanesboro direction. Our land is located on the north side of 12, we have a long driveway (1/2 mile) drive past the cottage house that sits in the valley floor, continue on up the hill to the house on top.
