Joan Nelson is an award-winning artist from Western Massachusetts, working from her studio at Indian Orchard Mills as well as her home studio. She works in a variety of media, primarily, Egg Tempera, Acrylic, and Watercolor; but will use whatever medium she feels best suited to the subject. Egg Tempera is her favorite - the bright, clear colors and fast drying time can't be matched by any other medium.

 

Joan is known mostly for her finely detailed paintings of birds, but other subjects range from portraiture to whimsical art. She accepts commissions of most subjects.

 

She also enjoys making One of A Kind Art Dolls, either from cloth, clay, or a mixture of both. Each doll takes on a personality of its own as it evolves from the choice of fabrics, fibers, and paints.

 

Joan's goal for each piece created is to instill feelings of happiness in the viewer, and to find beauty equally in both the special and commonplace. She spends a great amount of time out photographing birds and nature for inspiration and reference.

 

She has received numerous awards in many shows, including several First place and Best of Shows. Her work is in many private collections, and she currently has pieces at J.H. Miller's in West Springfield, and at Handworks Gallery in Acton.

She teaches children's art classes sponsored by the Red Thread Network for The Arts at Mitteneague Park in West Springfield and offers classes for teens and adults at her studio in Indian Orchard Mills.