Joan never attended art school, but from an early age she felt the urge to draw and paint, recognizing an inborn talent that demanded expression.

Guided by sensible parents into the nursing profession, she hoped someday to replace her uniform with an artist’s smock. She took inspiration from her Italian grandfather, an artist of some renown before the Second World War. For many years, she would keep his photograph on display, seeking to draw on the old man for strength.

As a young wife and mother, she worked at developing the techniques of sketching, watercolour, acrylic, oils and pastels. With time, she took on her first commissions and was able to supplement her nursing income with the sale of portraits, rural scenes and still-life images.

In subsequent years, she spent ever more time in her studio, often painting to order and holding shows at local venues. While most of her works were sold to customers, many are still in the possession of relatives, and Joan retains a few herself.

The images displayed on this website illustrate her various travels, as she moved from her farm in Kent to an apartment in Egypt, and from there to a village in Wales, and another in the south of France. Wherever she went, Joan would find something of interest or beauty to paint, making a record of her life and experiences.

Joan’s choice of subject matter often reflected her love of nature, whether it be bright English flowers, a waterfall in a Welsh woodland, or a French mountain village basking in the afternoon sun. Others, meanwhile, reflected her interest in people and cultures, as with the street scenes and local characters from her time in Egypt.

Whatever the subject, Joan’s work has always been personal and heartfelt, the product of a passion for life and a genuine love of beauty.

The images on this website have been organized according to three geographical categories: Britain, Egypt and France.

Feel free to browse and leave comments as you go.