The Art of Joan Durfey

My art can be found at the Pickett/Fairbanks Gallery in Salt Lake City, Utah or the Spring City Arts Gallery in Spring City, Utah.  Past and upcoming shows are listed on my website www.theartofjoandurfey.com and you may e-mail me at [email protected] anytime.

Artist’s Statement

My work reflects my love of the Old Masters.  I try to implement their techniques into my work by painting through measures that are often repeated with variations of color, value, and shape, like a musician produces compositions with sequential unity.  If you look beyond the obvious like I do when I paint, you will almost always find a message in my art.

I realize that my art will not change the world, but it will change me.  It will make me relevant and complete, and provide a legacy most essential to who I am and what I am about.

About the Artist

I was born in northern California and raised in southern California.  I attended college in Utah for a few years and then married.  My hands became too busy changing diapers and doing the usual things a young mother does.  I could not seem to find the time to paint.  When the time was right I started a design and license company called Joan Shane Exclusives.  For 11 years I was selling in all major markets in the U. S.  Canada and abroad.  I had numerous licensing agreements with the Minneapolis, Minnesota giftware icon, Dept. 56.  After reaching a peak in this forum I retired to concentrate on fine art.

Fortunately for me, I was able to study with Lynn Millman, a well known Utah Artist. She taught me how to see .  I worked very hard and traveled extensively abroad to see the works of the great Masters.  I have painted a few studies of their works and they are invaluable to me.  I refer to them often as a scholar would reference a book.

In the year 2000, my husband and I discovered a little town called Spring City while on a drive in rural Utah. It was enchanting.  Everywhere I looked I could see potential for a painting.  With family ties in Holladay, Utah and my studio/gallery now in Spring City, I have the best of both worlds.  If you can’t find me there I’m probably working in the garden, out riding my horse, or walking Cosmo, my dog.  Oil is my medium.  I do take commissions for portraits, and love painting animals and pastoral rural scenery.  My art is mostly traditional realism with a modern twist.

Contact Information:
Mailing Address: 4505 Russell St. Holladay, Ut 84117
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.theartofjoandurfey.com