Joe A. Oakes was a curious and observant child that began drawing at age five. He’s been painting full time since 2008 and like other artists, has had many previous occupations including substitute teacher, art consultant and graphic designer. Oakes has survived cancer and the loss of a child and used these life-changing events to propel his art career forward. His landscapes burn with the first brilliant seconds of sunrise and the last fiery moments of sunset. Expressing those feelings using bold, vibrant highlights and shadows of violet hues is his signature. His work offers a meditative sense of calm and happiness, with profound reverence for the mountains, canyons and valleys of the West and Southwest.

As per Joe, my landscapes of the West and Southwest are about the joy of nature and the colors it offers us. I paint with colors that evoke feelings of the first brilliant seconds of sunrise and the last fiery moments of sunset. Expressing those feelings using bold, vibrant highlights and shadows of violet hues is my signature. I paint tributes to the mountains, canyons and valleys in the hopes it will slow us down long enough to appreciate them. Every painting is a challenge to examine the colors of our world and reconnect with nature. Oakes holds a BFA from CSU, Fullerton and resides near Palm Springs, California.