1. I am a New Englander, but I have lived in different parts of the United States where I put down temporary roots and studied my craft.  During that time I have had the good fortune to study and work with many fine artists and instructors.  In 1995 I began studying at the Cape Cod School of Art.  I discovered color and the painting knife which had an enormous influence on my work.  The way sun and shadows interplay with each other is magic.  Equally, on  a rainy or cloudy day there is a dense saturated beauty that is compelling.  As an artist it is my responsibility to pursue these transitions on canvas.  I have been accepted and received awards in juried exhibitions and have had solo and two person shows.
   

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“Meigs Point, Hammonasset”

An artist whose work was new to me, and quite breathtaking, mere weeks ago in Hartford can now be found in Madison.  Joan Jardine, winner of this year’s Connecticut Plein Air Society Award of Excellence, is a colorist who feels more comfortable painting with a knife than a brush.  “Meigs Point, Hammonasset” is one of her trademark New England landscapes.  You will find no sharp edge in these works, every line blends into the next.  This isn’t to say that the work has a fuzzy quality, indeed quite the opposite.  Jardine’s choice of color, placement of paint, and elongated canvas combine to create an image that pops off the wall.  Muted tones of peach-tinged lay the foundation for deep green foliage, and brilliant aqua skies. 

A Review, by Lea Lopez Schmalz        The Source  January 11, 2007