Joan Wilkes Art - Playful Palette

06/14/2026

Another Legend for my series!

I finished this portrait of Willie Nelson recently -- iconic braids, guitar, bandana, and all. So many details make him recognizable the world over. Willie is truly one-of-a-kind! He continues to leave his indelible mark through the decades.

Check out the painting, and notecards/prints from my entire LEGENDS SERIES, at the July 3 FRANKLIN ART CRAWL -- I'll be exhibiting at the Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church on Main Street (across from Starbucks) from 6-9 pm.

9x12 acrylics on cradled wood panel
June, 2026

06/07/2026

Join us for lots of ARTSY FUN with acrylic painting in July!

Links in bio -- commissions available 😊🎨

Rec Center classes are $50 for 2 hours, all materials (and outlines) provided, no experience needed. CoreLife Paint Parties are $40, includes free drink and 50% off food!

06/03/2026

Join us to celebrate in Nolensville!

Save the Date for celebrating the winners of this year’s competition at a reception sponsored by the Town of Nolensville. It will be held on June 25th at the Town Hall. 5-6:30pm Family & Friends 6:30-8pm Open to the Public. Light refreshments will be served.

05/15/2026

So excited to have my artwork displayed in this local celebration of America's 250th!

Mine is titled "Land of the Free" -- painted haystacks and flag. Many thanks to all the volunteers who worked hard to get this exhibit displayed on the streets of Nolensville for all to enjoy!

05/11/2026

Here's my take on another heavily textured tutorial from Jennifer Vranes at LetsDabbleArt online. This coastal cottage with hydrangeas has all the feels!

So many thick layers of impasto paint add to the sensory feeling of puffball flower clusters and weather-worn house shingles. The lace curtains and window reflection add subtle character details.

Such a fun way to practice using palette knives and heavy textured paint in my own designs! Highly recommend.

Textured Acrylics on 12x12 Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
May, 2026

05/11/2026

Who doesn't love irises? TN state flower is such a joy to paint -- dramatic, graceful, and those deep purples are a perfect complement to the golden fields beyond.

These are heavily textured -- literally carved with palette knife wet-on-wet through a background of thick foliage. Such a fun way to paint! When dry, you can't help but reach out and touch the luscious layers.

The technique is from Jennifer Vranes at Let'sDabbleArt online. I use her tutorials to practice creating texture in my own designs. Highly recommend!

Textured Acrylics on 12x12 Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
May, 2026

05/05/2026

A dear friend and collector recently moved into a new home. She appreciates original artwork, and really wanted a signature piece to anchor her living room.

Wanting the image to be personal, she requested a joyful reminder of her beloved parents and grandparents in the metaphorical form of blue heron and cardinal pairs. Her vision was to feature them on a reflective pond with dogwood blossoms and flowering bushes.

I was thrilled to bring her vision to life through textured paint on a premium gallery-wrapped canvas with painted edges. Collaborating on the details together, we crafted the painting to perfectly suit her lifestyle and home.

Her reaction? "I love it!" ❤️

That, right there, is why I am so passionate about painting. Each piece carries with it my heart and soul -- that human touch that a collector feels living day to day with original artwork. ❤️🎨

Taking commissions now -- details available on my website: www.joanwilkesart.com

48x24 Textured Acrylics on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
May, 2026

05/03/2026

Summer calendars fill up fast, so save these dates for ARTSY FUN with us in June!

Notice my NEW "Foundations of Acrylic Painting" workshop from 12-3 pm on Saturday, June 6 at the Franklin Rec Center -- by popular demand from students requesting a basic/intermediate overview of color mixing, composition, values, edges, brushstrokes, and other techniques they can use to improve their general skills. Hope to see you there!