Hi, I'm Erika Joanne

Art has influenced me in some form or another since I was a young girl. High school and college art classes gave me skills and was a time of discovery for me as I realized some hidden talents in art that I wasn't aware I had. Back then I did a lot of pencil work and found success in creating portraits and life-like drawings. At the same time, I was really frustrated when it came to using color in my art. I just couldn't translate on paper what I saw in my head.

However, In the late 80's, after I was married, a good friend introduced me to the art of Decorative Tole Painting. Do you remember painting apples? Well, that was my very first project - a large apple slice! After just a few tries at painting, I was hooked! It was like that big frustrating door to color swung wide open for me. All the paint colors, variety of brushes, and the wonderful fine tuned techniques in acrylics (that decorative painters are fabulous at) were at my fingertips. I fell in love!!!
          
Teaching others to paint and create is a cherished part of my life. I have met many new friends from different areas of the globe along the way, all of which inspire and motivate me on my artistic journey. I believe we all have a deep yearning inside to create. I also believe creating can be a wonderful avenue to healing or simply a healthy escape from the day-to-day stress life can bring.  I'd love to hear from you, so drop me a line and tell me about your artistic journey.

Little known facts about myself...

  1. My love of painting started in the 80s.
  2. I could spend a whole day and more in a history museum.
  3. I could spend several days and more in an art museum :)
  4. I start painting in a clean room and when I'm finished it looks like the room was turned upside down and sideways!  
  5. I'm the eldest child of 10 children.
  6. Watching documentaries is one of my favorite things.
  7. I also love to cross-country ski.
  8. I want to learn how to play the fiddle like my great-grandpa someday.
  9. I hope is to live past 100 and still be able to see and paint.
  10. Lastly, I begin and end my day with prayer and boy do I need it! :)


Let's Explore & Be Creative Together!  

Perhaps one of these statements describes you...
  • Your life or job is stressful and you REALLY need some regular down time to create and unwind.
  • You enjoy exploring new ways to paint & create and love having step-by-step guidance along the way.
  • Painting makes you happy, and all the better to have a the design already figured out in the form of a pattern.

Good News! My Instructional Packets are a Great way to start creating!
  • They are well-written with numbered step-by-step instructions
  • They include several beautiful photos
  • The line drawings are full-size
  • Many of the packets include step-by-step worksheets and shading guides