Further, influenced by the Color Field painters of the 1960's such as Helen Frankenthaler and Morris Louis, Joan's paintings are lively, gestural color compositions of form and movement.

Joan's Fine Arts study began at David Thompson University in Nelson, B.C. She spent one year at the University of Alberta and completed her degree at the University of Victoria,under the tutelage of her Advisor, Doug Morton of the "Regina Five." She has also studied portraiture with Doolee MacDonnell of Trail, B.C. and water colour with Les Weisbrech of New Denver, B.C. Joan learned the old world traditional techniques with a classical emphasis from Jean Birnie at Artistically Speaking in Edmonton, Alberta.