Visit the Friends Art Gallery outside the Library Theatre this month and enjoy paintings by local artist Joyce Kraft.

The art of Joyce Kraft Gallery

I was born and raised in Long Beach, California, graduating with a degree in commercial art from California State University, Long Beach. After working in the commercial art field for several years, I went into teaching. During that time, I continued to enjoy painting. After moving to the South in June 2008, I decided to follow my dreams of painting full time. Early on, I developed a passion for the Impressionists because of their quick, layered strokes, atmospheric pallet and penchant for capturing a fleeting moment of time. As a painter, I wanted my art to emotionally reflect the world around me, capturing a moment of joy to be frozen forever on canvas.

Reflecting back to my book illustration beginnings, I began painting scenes that captured special moments and celebrations. As the spectator views the works, they will notice that the perspective used purposely draws them into the story, as though they were partaking in the event themselves. All genres, whether still life, room environment or landscape, are designed to lead the imagination into story. The scenes I paint are intended to capture special moments of life.

You can see more of my art at Artist’s Incorporated Art Gallery in Vestavia Hills.