Meet Joan Gladstone | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joan Gladstone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I grew up as a cautious kid (riding the Cyclone roller coaster in Coney Island was one a daring as I got!) so I grew into taking risks over time. First was leaving home to attend an expensive university to study art when my parents weren’t in a position to provide any financial support. After graduation, I traveled alone on a long overseas backpacking trip, then moved to California with no job prospects. Later, newly divorced, I started my own public relations firm with no money in the bank. The business grew, and it was a fulfilling experience for more than 30 years. I decided to close my company in 2018 to focus on oil painting. The next risk was putting my work out there, first through social media, then a gallery and now the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach. I don’t know what risks are on the horizon, however I’m looking forward to it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create contemporary oil paintings of Southern California beach scenes. Whether the painting features ferris wheels, surfboards or whimsical animals, the common thread is heightened color. The best compliment I’ve heard is, “Your art makes me happy.”

As I imagine is the case with all artists, it’s been a journey to develop a style of painting that is cohesive and recognizable. I am excited about continuing to refine my style and apply it to subjects beyond the coast.

The big challenge was returning to painting after a long hiatus while I built a business career. I was so rusty that when I took an art class 20 years ago, I could barely remember how to mix paint. I kept going and now I’m a working artist. I think the key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of being focused and determined, and to continue to explore and evolve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in beautiful Laguna Beach, so it would be easy to plan an itinerary:

Walk from Main Beach north along blufftop Heisler Park for spectacular views of the ocean
Visit any of the beach coves south of Main Beach to relax, surf, skim board or paddle board
Have lunch at an outdoor restaurant in the new Promenade on Forest Avenue
Visit galleries and the Laguna Art Museum
Have a cocktail and take in a sunset from a rooftop restaurant like the Rooftop Lounge, Skyloft or Mozambique
Shop for jewelry, crafts, cloths and one-of-a kind gifts
Go on a hike along one of many trails, including Top of the World

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Ed Gillow. A few years after we were married, Ed bought me a gift certificate for art supplies. I was so busy working that I just put it in drawer. From time to time, he’d gently ask me when I would start painting again. I finally decided to start taking art classes again. He has provided unwavering support for my new life as an artist.

Website: www.joangladstone.com

Instagram: @joangladstoneartist

Facebook: Joan Gladstone