Toscana Americana

Joy’s paintings reflect her love of nature and in particular her love of the southwest. Her work with the medium of watercolor, along with her vivid style, evokes a quality of strength and purity. One’s perception is transformed and the subject matter becomes something far richer in the experience of the viewer. Joy is the author of A Journey Within and several feature articles have been written about her. Joy has participated in many juried and invitational art exhibitions and her work has won many prestigious awards.

Born and raised in Brandon Manitoba, Canada, to an extreme climate, Joy found that her mood was often dictated by the weather. As a result, her paintings are inspired by thoughts of warm summer days with visions of light dancing on otherwise inanimate objects, seemingly bringing them to life. I try to convey this excitement through my work.

Today, Joy resides in Naples, Florida, where she is inspired by the unique beauty that surrounds her. Most days finds her in the studio with a paintbrush, or touring around with her camera. She has a master’s degree in business, a degree in adult education and conducts art workshops across North America and Europe teaching the techniques that she uses.

Joy’s professional affiliations include being a member of the National Watercolor Society, Northern Arizona Watercolor Society, Naples Art Association, and the Florida Watercolor Society. Joy’s work can be found in galleries in Sedona, Scottsdale, Santa Fe, Brandon and Saskatoon Canada, and is included in many private, corporate, and public collections

I was pleased to have the opportunity to attend a watercolor workshop in Sedona, Arizona this year, taught by artist Joy Skinner. Not only were the skills I learned from Joy taught in a friendly and professional manner, but they were numerous. I and other students received personalized input to our various styles of painting. Questions were answered in understandable terms; I learned much and have a few new friends too! The workshop was a great value for the price and lots of fun. I look forward to attending many more subject workshops offered by Joy Skinner.

Susan Cook

Tampa, Florida

Having just returned from a Joy Skinner workshop, I would encourage students of watercolor to participate in a workshop themselves. Joy covered topics from the basics of paper, brushes and paint selection to mixing pigments and composition. Her demonstrations are informative and inspiring. Joy’s natural talent shines through her paintings and inspires the student to stretch their skills and explore where their own talents can take them.

Ginger Steel
Napa, California

I have taken several watercolor classes from Joy Skinner and find her to be an excellent teacher. She gives enough information to allow the student to practice their skills and to come away with a finished painting that can be hung and admired.　 We received basic information about setting up our paint pallets, and types of brushes to use. Joy freely shared the techniques that she uses while teaching us about color and composition. I believe that students would enjoy her workshops very much.

Beverly Barnes
Sedona, AZ

I have taken several series of lessons from Joy at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. As is evident in her work, she has an amazing command of the medium especially in her use of color. As an art instructor, she encouraged her students to 'not be afraid' of painting with watercolor and to be bold in using color, paying close attention to the placement of lights and darks. I have grown increasingly more confident and successful as a watercolor artist because of what I learned from her.

Marg Stewart
Brandon, MB Canada