After 33 years in arts education, Joyce Martin returned to oil painting and found herself a student once again when she began studying with masters such as Anita Wolff, to further develop her impressionist style. These days, Mar-tin—who believes it’s important to paint every day if only for an hour or two—creates and teaches oil painting in her home studio. Featuring local landscapes, still life, fig-ures, birds and classic cars, the artist’s serene works have been shown at the El Dorado Arts Council’s Fausel House Gallery, Ironstone Winery, the PAA Artists Studio Tour, and are currently on display at Flowers on Main in Downtown Placerville. “My subject matter is always about something for which I have excitement and passion about and tells a story,” says Martin. “I want that energy to show in my work.” 

HLB: How did you get your start? 

JM: My first formal art instruction was in college. I have a bachelor's degree in education with an art minor and my master's in fine arts management. A major project was creating and supervising the first after-school arts program in the Menlo Park area. I taught students in grades K-8, and specialized in junior high classes that included art, drama, ceramics, woodworking, music and teacher training. Artistic exploration is beneficial to creative thinking, problem-solving and personal expression.

HLB: As a young artist, what was an influential moment?   

JM: As a child, my first grade teacher took me to neighboring classrooms of older students with my drawing in her hand and proclaimed, “Look at this! She's an artist!” I believed her.

HLB: How is this community beneficial to artists? 

JM: My husband (also a teacher and immensely creative) and I moved and designed our home in Placerville in 1998 for the rural atmosphere, proximity to the Sierras and more relaxed pace. He has been the greatest supporter of my paint-ing and even created an upstairs gallery above our barn for display and teaching. Local artists, arts associations, galleries and visiting instructors foster a positive environment here for all arts.

HLB: What’s the most rewarding aspect of teaching art? 

JM: Addressing individual learning styles has always been rewarding. The most exciting feedback I receive from class participants is their huge smile, upon seeing their own progress and telling me that I communicate in a way that meets each person's needs. Seeing their work recognized in shows and exhibits is also rewarding.

HLB: Do you have any words of wisdom for people who claim they aren’t artistic? 

JM: Everyone has artistic inclinations, which may not be acknowledged if defined as just drawing or painting. Personal expression through gardening, cooking, writing, acting, dance, sculpture, design, clothing, welding, building, admiring a gorgeous car or appreciation of natural beauty are all “being artistic.” For me, loving what I do and having a personal connection to what I paint is of utmost importance.   jannnoddin.com