Artist Joe A. Oakes will demonstrate techniques on March 14
The LW Art League will meet in Clubhouse 4 at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14. The guest demonstrator is the famous artist Joe A. Oakes. People are encouraged to come early to secure good seats.
Oakes was a curious and observant child who started drawing at the age of 5. He has been painting full time since 2008 and, like other artists, previously worked as other things including as a substitute teacher, art consultant and graphic designer.
Oakes has survived cancer and the loss of a child and has used these life-changing events to propel his art career forward.
His landscapes burn with the excitement of bold, bright color and draw on scenes from all over the U.S., but especially the Southwest and the state of California.
Oakes’ work offers a new perspective on color and place while offering a meditative sense of calm, happiness and reverence for the land.
He holds a BFA from California State University, Fullerton and among his accolades are the Distinguished Artist Award from the City of La Quinta, in 2011 and a first place award for his work in “Visions” Exhibition at Chaffey Community Museum of Art in Ontario in 2019. Oakes resides near Banning in Southern California.
In an artist’s statement, Oakes said: “My landscapes are about the joy of nature and the colors it offers us. I paint with colors that evoke feelings of the first brilliant seconds of sunrise and the last fiery moments of sunset. Expressing those feelings through the use of bold, vibrant highlights and shadows of violet hues is my signature.
“I paint tributes to the mountains, fields and trees in the hopes it will slow us down long enough to appreciate them. Every painting is a challenge to examine the colors of our world and reconnect with nature.”
Those entering the art contest should have their work in by 6:30 p.m. The popular vote for March is “portraits.”
The Art League enourages people to come out to watch Oakes’ demonstration, as he’s traveling from Banning to demonstrate at LW.
—Jay Young
Upcoming Art League demonstrator Joe A. Oakes
