Artist Statement

I moved to Montana in 1996 after 20 years of painting on location in Alaska. My home is near the Metcalf Wildlife Refuge embraced by the majestic Bitterroot mountains. The mountains, landscapes, old buildings, churches, animals, and the water reflections and cattails full of birds inspire many paintings. I’ve travelled and painted throughout Montana. I believe my color language and bold strokes comes from observing endless abstract patterns, lighting effects, and exceptional shapes in Alaska’s atmosphere and Montana’s Big Sky country. Wherever it may be, I have to live my work to do it.

You never really get to where you want to be – art is an evolving process – a never ending struggle to be free to express one’s self … learning shapes, colors, and essences of things can be explored in a million ways. 

I like the challenge of exploring one subject from many viewpoints. The literal, arbitrary, and even abstract can be seen interwoven throughout my work, often reflected in series. A watercolor may become an acrylic, a fiber piece, or mixed media. The body of my works are expressions of events, themes, and personal relationships with man, animal, and nature. 

Contact Information

Joy Peterson Snodgrass

Joy’s Art Studio
423 RiversideAve, Stevensville, MT 59870
PO Box 101, Stevensville, MT 59870

(406) 777-7298

www.joysartstudios.com