Fine Artist
Rapid River Magazine: What are your favorite subjects to paint and why?
Joyce Schlapkohl: That’s always an interesting question. I like what excites me about any subject. Often it’s the lighting on the image or an emotion that gets stirred or just a beautiful sight that I want to capture. I love to paint the ever changing seasons of the NC mountains.
In the summer I paint a lot of my husband’s beautiful flowers of every variety. In the winter I paint the snow, the bare trees, and the lack of color. The spring and fall of course are absolutely gorgeous with the burst of color. Other subjects I enjoy painting are animals, old barns, trucks, houses, etc. Except for setting up a still life in the studio, I paint from my own photographs and sketches. As you can see I’m never at a loss for something to paint.
RRM: You are a very prolific artist. What inspires you to paint every day?
JS: I don’t paint every day but I’d like to. I’m completely content and happy when I’m in my studio with the music playing and I have oil on my brush ready to attack the canvas. I lose all track of time. It’s a great feeling.
RRM: Your style is very unique. How has it developed over the years?
JS: It’s difficult to know all the influences that may alter how you think and paint. I’m always reading and studying great artist’s work, going to art galleries, taking art workshops, and painting with other artists. Teaching also helps me clarify what I’m thinking.
Most artists’ work evolves over a period of time and I would be disappointed if mine didn’t. You never stop learning and questioning. It’s an exciting journey that has twists and turns and hopefully you enjoy the ride.
Works by Joyce Schlapkohl on display at:
Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College St., Downtown
Seven Sisters, 117 Cherry St., Black Mountain
Cedar Hill Studios, 196 N. Main St., Waynesville
Visit www.joycepaints.com
(828) 456-4600, joyce@joycepaints.com