Hi there, thank you for visiting! As long as I can remember, I've always enjoyed art and being creative. A good friend introduced me to the art of Decorative Painting many years ago when I was a young mother. It literally opened doors for me, giving me a creative outlet and break from the doldrums of day-to-day life. Just like anyone who tries something new, my start was shaky at best. But after many years of painting - the good and the bad, I progressed. Over time my personal artistic flavor came through and I realized how much I really enjoyed designing, teaching, and sharing with others. Through the loving support of my family, eventually Erika Joanne Designs was born and my designing business realized.
From my initial start, one goal led to another bringing me to the point where I was ready to publish a book. Although I had done some research, I hadn't yet found a publisher, this all changed quite unexpectedly while attending the NW Toleliners Painting Convention in Seattle. There I met Prudy Vannier, an accomplished artist and publisher. I didn't recognize her at the time, so I felt at ease in telling her all about my wish to have a book published. THEN she told me who she was and that she actually published books! I almost fell over right there - haha! I'm sure I looked pretty funny. After recovering from the initial shock, Prudy worked up a contract for a book and gave me the start and support I needed. Four books were published with Prudy's Studio as a result of that first meeting.
Fast forward to the present and you'll find a variety of the designs I've created in the form of Pattern Packets, Books, and Magazine Articles. It might all sound rosey, but in reality there have been many bumps along the way, hard work, and ohh the never ending deadlines! Through all this though, I have found a great deal of satisfaction in the process of creating new designs. Attending Painting Conventions and Travel Teaching are also some of my absolute favorite things to do. When time permits, I love taking a break and attending classes where I can just sit and paint with so many who share the same love of painting.
While all this has been exciting, It has been very important to me to keep my business at a slow and steady pace while raising our four beautiful children. Trying to keep it real and not run faster than I can walk has been hard at times in this fast paced world we live in, there is always so much to do! Lately I have been able to pick up the pace though as it is getting easier to devote more time to designing. I am thrilled about the future and have some fun ideas brewing. I just hope I don't have a creative brain explosion in the meantime! haha!
Recently I've started a blog that focuses on Early American Artists and their artwork. Each month a new artist will be featured with weekly clues leading to the identity of that artist. Along with revealing the identity, I'll also have a newly inspired pattern available. You don't want to miss this and to boot you can follow my progress for FREE! All you have to do is go to my Artistic Adventures by Erika Joanne Blog and join me in many future adventures! It's going to be "sweet" as my kids would say!
A FREE newsletter that goes out monthly is also available. Just sign-up on my homepage and you'll receive all kinds of hints, tips, and updates on sales, and my designing endeavors, in your email each month. It's easy, no mess, and pretty cool!
As for the rest of my designing adventures I am focused on creating new and interesting patterns and teaching classes. Acrylics are my first love, but I also enjoy many of the other various art mediums. There is so much to explore! Recently I introduced an exciting NEW line of Paint & Pencil pattern packets in which both Acrylics and Colored Pencils are used. Be sure to take a look!
To end, I want to leave you with a few thoughts in which I truly believe... One, is that we live in a wonderful world that graces us with so many opportunities to learn and grow. Keep yourself alive by moving, learning, and making the most of the resources around you. Two, I believe that we all have a deep yearning inside to create. Remember that you can create beauty wherever you find yourself, it doesn't matter what your position or status in life is, everyone can create! Drop me a line sometime, I'd love to see and hear of your artistic endeavors!
Painting Smiles :)
Erika Joanne
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KITS / SURFACES / BRUSHES / PAINT / COLORED PENCILS / TOOLS / Monthly SALE! / eBay