Joan Burmeister

Growing up, I considered myself lucky to be born into a family of painters, some landscape and some portrait. I knew at an early age I would be some type of artist. There was never a shortage of paints, pencils or paper for me. I actually still have some of the wonderful paintings I watched my grandmother and aunt paint when I was a child. Always brings back wonderful memories and I can still smell turpentine, a smell that seemed to permeate their apartment in Brooklyn. After finishing the School of Visual Arts, with a degree in Journalistic illustration I decided to begin a life of experimentation. I have done portraits, black and white paintings, oil, acrylic, and sculptures. At this time in my life I am basically playing with collage`, I love the feel of different types of papers and the way they blend and work together. My favorite artist, among so many, would have to be Matisse. I have spent many hours sitting in front of his paintings at the National Gallery of Art in D.C. I love bright happy colors and am intrigued with positive and negative shapes. I hope when you view my work it makes you happy. I love doing it.

Artist Statement: