Joy Swanson's Gallery

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Born and raised in northern Montana, I had plenty of time between blizzards and weeks of sub-zero temperatures to "doodle"...which began around age 9.  I loved to sketch and paint on anything I could find.  And due to our family's meager income, my art supplies were very limited.

I continued to draw and paint whenever I could; taking art classes in school.  After graduating high school in 1972 from a northern Denver suburb, I began working in a local child care facility.  Here I found my niche and was able to share my creativity and love of art with "the little ones".  My career in Early Childhood Education continued over 35 years, where I was able to learn many new art techniques and pass them onto hundreds of young students and fellow educators.

From 1996-2002, I joined Unlimited Options, Inc., a company started by a fellow educator and best friend Deanna.  We developed and presented a variety of in-service trainings, workshops and educational products for the Early Childhood field.  My artistic skills and creativity came in handy in every aspect of the business.  I also created a variety of "Storyteller Characters" during this time.  I would dress up in theme-based or seasonal costumes and present interactive, educational and FUN children's story hours and hands-on science workshops at local elementary schools, daycares, churches, local public gardens and recreation centers.

Through the years, I have taken many art workshops in various mediums.  I found that I really enjoyed pen & ink as well as pencil renderings, with my favorite subject matter being landscapes, architecture, and still life.  I have also worked in acrylics and watercolors.  I am presently working with pastels for the first time...which I absolutely love!

When I'm not painting or sketching, I enjoy crafting and decorative painting.  Give me a glue gun and I can whip up just about anything!  I also love to travel and visit art galleries/museums wherever I go.

I currently reside in central-eastern Florida with my wonderful husband Stan (who is a creative writer and musician in his own right).  We hope to fully retire in the next few years somewhere on the beach.  I know that the beautiful, lush landscapes of Florida will surely become some of my future artwork.