ASSOCIATED ARTISTS MASTER ARTIST DEMONSTRATION

JOANN FORMIA has always been interested in art; at a very young age, she began to draw and paint. In high school, Joann took art classes, entering the Los Angeles County Fair in the youth category and winning for one of her entries. From this positive experience, Joann was encouraged to continue, and so she did, entering Mt. San Antonio Jr. College as an Art Major. It was a long time after Joann was out of school that she began to paint again. Beginning with a class at the Pasadena Continuation School, she studied with Oscar Van Young who taught oil painting. Again life took a different path, Joann was busy raising children, but she never gave up the thought of becoming an artist. Her next attempt came when she signed up for a watercolor class with Robert Uecker, again through Pasadena Continuation School. Now, she was hooked.

Joann Formia says she finds painting to be a never ending journey. She declares she will never know everything about painting, regardless of the medium. Joann recently received a statement via e-mail, “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” That is a question that is always present asserts this versatile artist.

Joann has had the pleasure of painting at Manzanar National Monument with Henry Fukuhara for the past three years and has enjoyed two trips to Mt. Carmel in Utah to paint with Milford Zornes. She has also had the great experience of painting with at least 50 others on a trip to Canyon De Chelly. In addition to her extensive painting schedule, Joann also specializes in commissioned watercolor renderings and black and white drawings of properties for local realtors, given as gifts to their clients.

In addition to attending Mt. San Antonio Jr. College as an Art Major, Joann Formia feels fortunate to have had classes or workshops with the following notable artists: Jim Burns, Dayrl Bryant, Joseph Stoddard, Tom Fong, Milford Zornes, Chris Van Winkle, Carole Barnes, Eric Weigardt, Marciano Martinez, Dale Laitinen, Hal Lambert, Henry Fukuhara, George James, Al Setton, Quinton Bemiller.

Joann served as Exhibition chair for Watercolor West 2005. She also serves as publicity and memberships chairs for Mid-Valley Arts League. Joann currently is member of San Gabriel Fine Arts Association, Mid-Valley Arts League, La Habra Art Association, Pomona Valley Art Association, and Watercolor West. Joann has been entering competitions since the early 70's. She has won many, many awards throughout the years including to the present. Her work may be seen in exhibitions, private collections, and corporate purchases. To learn more about Joann Formia, visit her website at: http://www.joannformia.com