Joan E. Koppel

I've always had a 'creative side,' however it usually manifested itself in writing, both fiction and poetry. After I retired from full time work, we decided to spend the Fall/Winter season in Florida. I had always been interested in paintings of people, particularly women. A few years ago, after doing some research, ultimately, I enrolled in a beginning watercolor class at ‘The School of Art’ of the Boca Museum of Art, which provided the introduction and basics I needed to begin painting in this medium I so loved. It felt thrilling to be a student at this School and in that environment, which offered classes in every facet of the arts one can imagine.
It must have been meant to be, because after I had completed that class, I ran into several strangers on different days and at different locations, all of whom happened to be active members in the Palm Beach Watercolor Society (PBWS); in fact, one was the PBWS President. They did not know me at all, but, each one encouraged me to just keep going. Not only did I soon become a member of PBWS, but I was also given the name of an artist who gives classes in her Delray Beach home. I signed up for one of her classes immediately and relished everything she initially taught me about the basics: pigment properties, watercolor papers and brushes, tonal values, and techniques (i.e., wet on wet, wet on dry), et al. The next class I joined was different, but it was a perfect fit! We were six women all working on our own projects during the two-hour class, while also cheering one another on. Our teacher observed and advised us, made suggestions, and gave us guidance whenever we needed it. Watercolor soon became a new niche for me, one that fits perfectly into my search for relaxation, excitement, a new learning experience, and most importantly, a satisfaction in finding yet another new pathway to creativity! Remarkably, I have sold four original watercolors in 2020 and several limited edition Giclee prints. While many watercolor artists concentrate their works on landscapes, urban scenes, and flowers, I still am drawn to the people on the paper, rather than the scene itself, all of whom seemed to have something to say to us; hence the title I go by “Watercolor Artist - Figurative Art."


Portfolio:

Watercolor Women

I believe all my watercolors in this portfolio speak for themselves. They are unique, and each seems to have something to say to the world. I hope all of you enjoy the view!