Studio 226
Joy Barnes received degrees in art education from Troy State University and Wilkes University; she has taught art privately and in public schools, painted for decorators on the Gulf Coast, and exhibited her paintings in art shows and in galleries in Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Maine.
With a love for art that began when she was 10 years old, Joy describes her painting process as similar to reading a good book. She knows the subject of the work, but always enjoys the surprise at the end. Her inspiration frequently comes from flowers, especially hydrangeas, shadows on white houses, and old boats with their reflections in the water. She prefers painting with oils, but enjoys watercolors as well.
Probably because of her teaching background, Joy is only satisfied when her work displays a personal spark of creativity.