About

Traveling inspires me to paint.  I am more aware of my surroundings when I'm not distracted by daily routines.  When I journey across the country or aboard my visual instincts kick into high gear.   Like many tourists, I photograph my way around new surroundings often to document where I've been, but mostly because I want to remember an emotion that I felt while observing or visiting that special place.  When I get back to my studio, I am super motivated to get in front of my canvas, brushes ready to recapture my experience.

Painting is such a joyous exploratory journey for me.  I immerse myself into self-imagination and discovery. The moment I put paint to canvas I begin to make a connection with the subject. Everything else in my life falls away.

As an artist, I try to capture a memory, a mood, colorful shapes and inspire thoughtful reflection. I hope you do not spend too much time trying to figure out who or what the painting represents; rather,  that you become emotional involved with the artwork and are able to relate what you see with your own experiences.

My paintings vary from farmyard animals, seascapes, landscapes, lighthouses, flowers, still-life; whatever attracts me to apply paint to canvas. 

I accept orders for commission work.  If you have a special photograph, one which generates a memory of a favorite person, pet, place or event consider transforming it into a painting.  Feel free to call 401-864-2379 to inquire about any of my paintings, are interested in commission options or to set up a date to visit my studio.  My studio hours are by chance or by appointment. 

Joan McConaghy

9 Thomas Street

Providence, RI 02903

joan@joanmcconaghy.com

My Story

I am a Rhode Island artist, retired teacher, mother, and grandmother. As long as I can remember art has been an important part of my life. As a young adult, I put aside my pursuit of art in order to focus on my education; while married and raising three children. Later, I returned to school as a “slightly older student”, where I received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Painting, a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Technology Graphic Arts and a Masters Degree in Instructional Design. Yearning to further my education, I attended the Doctoral Program at Boston University in Educational Media and Technology; finishing with All But Dissertation. Additionally, I attended other courses of study in art, including Rhode Island School of Design’s Continuing Education and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.  I taught Graphic Arts at Rhode Island College and retired after twenty-two years in order to fulfill my desire to create art on a full time basis.  

I am an artist member of the Wickford Art Association and the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative. Additionally, I am an exhibiting artist member of the Providence Art Club, where I currently serve on the Board of Managers as well as chair for the Membership Committee. My work has been accepted in a wide variety of juried shows; having been honored with several awards. My paintings have also been displayed in many different professional venues and acquired by people from all walks of life throughout New England, the United States and Europe.

My studio is located in the Historic Deacon Taylor House (the yellow colonial pictured above), at the Providence Art Club, 9 Thomas Street Providence RI. You can find me painting there during the week or by appointment. All work is on display and available for purchase.