About Me (The Artist)
"Joe Oakes work is evocative of place and time within the quiet stillness that he so elegantly captures in his landscapes. He transports us to a moment of solitude and tranquil beauty with his paintings".
Jill Jones, Brainwaves Art/Coach the Arts
Statement: My art at this time is solely dedicated to the landscape. I just can't get enough of nature's beauty and the challenge that comes with trying to capture and portray a place in time.
Each landscape I paint is somewhere I have been even if only briefly. Something about that place at that time caused me to stop and take notice. Therefore, I try to capture the spirit or essence of that time and place in order to convey that mood or feeling to the viewer.
I use basic elements of art and design to create pieces I feel are compositionally sound, always considering where the lines and forms are leading the eye within the painting. It is important to me to combine this with an emotional connection to the place.
I consider my work representational but strive not to be too realistic. Evoking a feeling of time and place is the challenge I put to myself. And I continue that effort through each painting.
"...very consistent and harmonious work. Your handling of the medium and intent that you were striving for to express is very much in synch and in harmony. This is very dynamic work in all that you are trying to capture".
George Rivera, Executive Director/Senior Curator, Triton Museum of Art
Bio: I can remember doing pencil and marker sketches as early as age five. I'm not sure what they look like but if you ask my Mom, she'll be happy to show you some! Later I graduated to scrap paper and cardboard to create holiday greeting cards for family members. I can still remember the excitement that came with each new pencil or paint set or even model cars and boats. I just loved working with my hands and creating... still do.
During the school years I excelled in my art classes. Due in part to the encouragement I received from so many teachers, fellow students and my parents. I did more experimenting in different media back then. I also won many school competitions and awards.
I eventually found my way to college and earned a BFA from Cal State Fullerton in 1997. For awhile I worked as a graphic designer. Although I enjoyed it, I needed something even more creative. Something I could really sink my teeth into and be passionate about.
The economic downturn of our time allowed me to dedicate much more of my personal time to the creation and promotion of my artwork. It wasn't easy at first, but it may never be. An artist must always be learning and striving to improve!
I've also discovered how much I enjoy teaching art classes and workshops. The fun and energy of the classroom has become my second passion. I learn from my students and improve upon my own work with each class.
I am originally from Chicago but have lived in Southern California for the last nineteen years. I am located in the Palm Springs area and reside there with my supportive wife and two great sons.
"The mood in each of Joe's pieces of art draws you in and keeps you engaged. He captures his surroundings in a way that illustrates his proficiency in the use of his medium".
Noreen Ring, Textile Artist, House on a Hill Designs
Exhibitions & Awards
2011
Group Art Exhibition - Riverside Art Museum "Off The Wall", Riverside, CA
Solo Art Exhibition - La Quinta Public Library, La Quinta, CA
Honorable Mention - National Orange Show Juried Exhibition, San Bernardino, CA
Honorable Mention - "All's Fair in Art... Again", Juried Show, Fallbrook Art Center, Fallbrook, CA
Finalist - Richeson 75 Landscape Competition Exhibit, Kimberly, WI
Group Art Exhibition - Riverside Art Museum Members' Exhibition, Riverside, CA
Distinguished Artist Award - City of La Quinta, La Quinta, CA
Group Art Exhibition - Wine & Dine Art Show, Redlands, CA
Group Art Exhibition - Soroptimist Wine and Art Festival, La Quinta, CA
2010
Group Art Exhibition - Art In The Atrium, Rancho Mirage, CA
Group Art Exhibition - Riverside Art Museum "Off The Wall", Riverside, CA
Solo Art Exhibition - City of Fontana, Community/Senior Center, Fontana, CA
Solo Art Exhibition - Technicolour Salon, Redlands, CA
2009
Group Art Exhibition - Corona Art Assoc. at Rejuvenate, Corona, CA
Group Art Exhibition - Riverside Art Museum "Off The Wall", Riverside, CA
President's Award - Group Art Exhibition, Corona Art Assoc. "Dominick Frascella Show", Corona, CA
Second Place Award - Quick Draw Competition, held at the Integratron, Landers, CA
Group Art Exhibition - Riverside County Administrative Center "ArtScape", Riverside, CA
Group Art Exhibition - Corona Art Assoc. "De Colores", Corona, CA
Group Art Exhibition - Corona Art Assoc. "Spring Fling", Corona, CA
Solo Art Exhibition - Soul of Mexico Restaurant, Indio, CA
2007
Group Art Exhibition - The Esther Wells Collection, Laguna Beach, CA
Group Art Exhibition - CSUF Student Health & Counseling Center "Art 4 Health", Fullerton, CA
Honorable Mention - Online Art Competition, United Society of Pastel Artists
2006
Group Art Exhibition - LAPAPA Gallery & Studio, Laguna Beach, CA