by Gayle Picken
Only days away, the tenth annual Mother’s Day Studio Tour is stirring excitement throughout the artist community here in Stanwood and Camano Island. Each year this event draws thousands of visitors to our unique small town/island community. I’ve been fortunate to work with Camano Island artist Joan Enslin for the past five or six years. She paints all year for this show, and as usual, she has a wonderful selection of new paintings ready for the Tour (click here to preview).
I recently had the chance to ask Joan a few questions about her art career and her life in the Pacific Northwest.
How did it start…..When did you first become interested in art?
I’ve been interested in art all of my life, but did not study art formally. As a child, drawing was my way to feel calm. In the 1980’s I made it my goal to learn the basics of drawing and painting. I sought Artists whom I admired, were proficient in their art and taught classes and workshops. I continue to study with many nationally known artists.
You are known for your watercolor scenes of rocks under water. What inspired you to create that series?
I’ve lived near water most of my adult life. Early on, my family had a cabin in the San Juan Islands. Walking the beach, finding agates and stones was a great adventure for me. Stones are so permanent and have so much history. Beach washed stones feel good in your hand.
When I’m painting my “River Rock Series” I think of my walks on the beach and the sound of the rivers while hiking in the mountains.
People often express delight in the vibrant colors and bold style you use in your flower paintings. Tell us about your use of color.
Color is a way of putting excitement in paintings. Flowers cheer us and usually are very colorful. I often give just the impression of flowers rather than using a realistic approach. I use color with very little water on textured paper, adding gouache to lighten. The textured paper allows the paint to sit on top and then can be manipulated easily. This gives vibrancy without appearing garish.
In the past few years, you’ve experimented with mixed media and abstract images. Is this a direction you see yourself pursuing in the future?
I paint in watercolor, but I’m now adding ink, gouache, pastel, etc. to my paintings. I’ve taken several workshops with acrylic artists and find it challenging to try something new. Abstracts, for me, are more difficult and take more time, but I find it stimulating to focus on just composition, color and line.
In the future I plan to experiment more with abstract images and will also continue with my current medium because it still pushes and interests me.
Which artist do you admire most? And are there particular artists who have had the most influence on your work?
My favorite artist is Nicolai Fechin, a Russian artist living in the time of Georgia O’Keeffe. He was an oil painter with a fantastic use of color and texture. I have also been influenced by many local and nationally known artists who have given me such generous advice and encouragement through their art and through their workshops.
How long have you lived on Camano? In the Pacific Northwest?
I’ve lived on Camano Island for 20 years and in the Pacific Northwest all my life. Our Pacific Northwest is a special place to live, with the water and the mountains. I know it rains, but when the sun shines and “the mountains are out” there is no other area more beautiful.
Your husband builds a lot of custom frames for your work. Has he always been supportive of your art career?
Jim has been my # l fan and has helped and supported me in all ways. I have never known anyone who is so unselfish with his time. He is very creative and a superior craftsman.
You spend a few months each year in Santa Barbara, California. Is this where you do most of your painting? Tell us about your studio there.
We spend about 2 months each year in Santa Barbara. We bike, hike, play golf and visit our children and grandchildren in the area. I do paint quite a lot while I am there, mostly on the kitchen table, and I also take drawing classes. The place that we rent is small so I miss my very nice studio in my home on Camano Island.
You can meet Joan Enslin in person at Gallery by the Bay during the Mother’s Day Studio Tour, May 9th, 10th, and 11th. Hours 10am to 6 pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 5 pm on Sunday.
