Joan Pechanec paints in a variety of mediums, often combining and cutting through multiple layers of paper, written word, oils, pastels, iridescents, cold wax to create thickly`textured, semi-abstract images. "I love the architectural aspect of these works, which appear differently depending on the angle of light and the buried imagery. I want the viewer to continue discovering the surprising an...d unique."
Joan's work has been influenced by the many places she has lived and travelled. She earned a B.A from the University of Denver and an M.A. from the University of Chicago before moving to San Francisco. Her vivid palette reflects the flamboyant culture of the late 60's and 70's in the Bay Area. Her use of intense, warm color has also been influenced by travel, particularly to Bali, North Africa, Guatemala, and a year's sabbatical in Mexico. While also creating art, Joan practiced for many years as a psychotherapist. This intense career has informed her view of life as emotionally rich, layered, symbolic.
Joan and her husband, writer Charlie Price, moved to McMinnville from their home on a river in Northern California, where Joan had a thriving art community and career. "We have fallen in love with the extraordinary beauty and welcoming people of this wine country in Oregon!"
"My art is an expression of the world as I experience it: rich in numinous color and vibrant light, a world of mood and mystery. I am most intrigued by the liminal space, the co-creation between reality and my imagination."
Autumn Gold
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: This painting was commissioned for the poster for the 2020 McMinnville Food & Wine Classic in McMinnville, Oregon. When COVID-19 hit, the 2020 festival was cancelled, but the organizers saved the artwork and used it for the 2022 festival. This is an annual 3-day, 3000-person festival held in the Evergreen Aviation Space Museum. The painting was was inspired by Oregon's fall vineyards. Joan wanted to convey the golden glow and lush landscapes of the Willamette Valley wine country at harvest time. Signed & matted.
Autumn Gold
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: This painting was commissioned for the poster for the 2020 McMinnville Food & Wine Classic in McMinnville, Oregon. When COVID-19 hit, the 2020 festival was cancelled, but the organizers saved the artwork and used it for the 2022 festival. This is an annual 3-day, 3000-person festival held in the Evergreen Aviation Space Museum. The painting was was inspired by Oregon's fall vineyards. Joan wanted to convey the golden glow and lush landscapes of the Willamette Valley wine country at harvest time. Signed & matted.
Autumn Light
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: This piece was created as an alternative to the commissioned poster painting for the 2020 MacClassic Food and Wine Festival. Though the more representational piece "Autumn Gold" was ultimately selected for the poster, I especially love this painting with its collaged segmented tree trunks and slightly abstracted treatment. The original was Mixed Media: Collage, Oil, Cold Wax. Signed & matted.
Daybreak
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: This was inspired by an early morning walk on the Oregon Coast. I loved the contrast of the bright morning light on the water with the deep blue of the rock cliffs.
Light in the Forest
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: Walking in an Oregon forest, I was struck by this bright, cool stream of light. I used cold wax to create the impressionistic, misty effect of the scene.
Meadowfoam
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: In the spring in Oregon, farmers plant their fields in a greenish white clover called "Meadowfoam". It is utterly compelling! The first time I saw it on a dark, cloudy day, it appeared like a mirage. Oil on Masonite Panel.
Moonglow
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: A view from our hotel balcony on the Oregon coast. I tried to capture the dreamy light of the moon on the water and the grasses by adding multiple layers of cold wax mixed with thin glazes of oil paint.
Morning Light
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: I was entranced by the way the morning light came up over this waterfall in the luscious Olympic Peninsula. I framed the painting in a wide silvery champagne plein aire frame. Oil on canvas.
Moroccan Mystery
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: This heavily-textured piece was inspired by several months I spent in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. I was entranced by the medinas, particularly in Marrakesh, and the labyrinthian architecture, often miles of twisting cobbled paths where one could readily get completely lost. I imagined the secret lives in the lush courtyards beyond the heavy wooden doors and thick, crumbling walls.
Red Canyon
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: I used thick collaged papers with acrylics and moss to create this densely textured image of a canyon.
Red Clover
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: Another stunning sight in rural Oregon! Farmers plant fields in red clover in the spring, creating swaths of shades of carmine red. It is surreal while it lasts, just a few weeks.
Springtime Storm
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: This piece was inspired by a scene in rural Oregon in the spring. It was one of those dramatic moments when the rain stops, the sky is still a dark ominous blue and a neon bright light illuminates the land. So magical! This large painting is a variation of a small study previously sold.
The Golden Hour
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: This is based on a scene from the top of Fox Ridge Road in McMinnville. On warm evenings, I often ride my scooter to see this lovely view of the fields of the Wilammette Valley. It always reminds me why I love living in Oregon. Oil and Cold Wax on canvas.
Underworld
Fine Art by artist Joan Pechanec - Description: This is an imaginary depiction of a Southwest Canyon. I wanted to create a vision of a land beneath the surface, based on the Jungian idea of the subconscious, a symbolic place in our psyche which contains a deeply imbedded world. A piece inspired by my previous rich life as a psychotherapist.