Talented local artist Joanna Beard is featured in the KPR Green Room this month with her paintings that truly inspire whimsy in us all. Joanna is an artist and musician who graduated from Sterling College. She grew up in Lawrence and you can see her art displayed all around galleries in Lawrence throughout the year. Most recently her pieces were featured at The Roost.
What do you like to do for fun? What are your hobbies?
Hmm..hobbies...those sort of overlap with being an artist...I write music, try to keep up with my piano skills. I take walks wherever I find nature trails. Spend a lot of time with family and travel when I can. I love to discover a new cafe or artsy place. Oh, and thrifting is also a big hobby.
What inspires your artwork? Share more about your style?
My artwork is partly inspired by my love of nature/animals, and my love of color. Also by my need to always find whimsy and joy in life. It is also inspired by the urge to tell a story/express myself visually. There is a rhythm to my paintings, which reflects my musical side, and in each piece there is a story representative of the journeys or processes of life. It is more of an intuitive style where I start and let a painting evolve as I go.
What do you love about KPR?
I love the music and I love the news on KPR! It is very well done!
See the rest of Joanna's art below. Want to buy one of Joanna's pieces? Contact Bobbi at bwashechek@ku.edu to see if the pieces are still available. You can also check out her website here.
