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ABOUT THE ARTIST |
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“My goal as a portraitist is to create a truly unique image that captures its subject in a timeless and honoring manner. I believe it is vital to not only capture a person well, but to create a painting that stands on its own – a piece that the client will be proud to display to the most discerning art connoisseur, as well as pass down thru generations.” |
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Joy Clifton’s love of art began at an early age, exploring the Texas ranch where her family lived with a pencil and sketchpad as her only companions. As the years passed, her passion for art grew, and she began to consider the possibility of art as a profession. After attending Texas A&M University and marrying, she began working full-time as a decorative artist, specializing in murals and trompe l’oeil. Soon after moving to Virginia, a turning point came for the artist when she was commissioned to paint a portrait of a couple who were good friends and local business leaders. She discovered a deep passion and unique gifting for this area of art, and immediately turned her focus fully on professional portraiture. Joy studied extensively under Master Portraitist Margaret Carter Baumgaertner, and she continues to draw great inspiration and instruction from the works of past Masters such as John Singer Sargent, William Bouguereau, and Lord Frederick Leighton. She believes the art of portraiture is one that will entail a lifetime of learning, and has devoted her time and talent to the pursuit of becoming a Master in the classical art of portraiture. Her work has received great acclaim, and has included business executives, Doctors and medical professionals at the University of Virginia, and numerous children and families. Joy works closely with each of her clients, believing that the input of the client is a necessity in order to create a work of art that portrays the subject’s personality and is completely satisfying. She meets with the client and subject initially to determine composition, take reference photos, and create sketches of the subject, and again upon completion, to add final touches. |
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