JoAnn Peralta

Jo Ann Peralta received a full scholarship to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, which she attended for four years as a fine arts/illustration major. Thereafter, Peralta worked for eight years as a professional illustrator doing various book and video covers and magazine illustrations. This led to an interest to personalize her industry and explore new horizons as a fine artist. Driven by her desire to honor her grandmother’s memory (she even paints under her surname), Peralta delves deep into her rich cultural heritage. “As a third-generation Californian, I wanted to pay homage to what my grandmother endured in order to maintain her family’s well-being. When I look at itinerant farm workers, I see my grandmother’s sacrifice so I could be where I am today.”

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Peralta’s use of rich colors and textures parlaying off a balance of greys harmonizes with the figures in the beauty of the outdoor or indoor ambient light. Peralta also depicts women and children of a bygone era, which exemplifies the pride she has for her Spanish, Italian, and Mexican ancestry.

Artistic influences include Joaquin Sorolla, Vincent Van Gogh, Clark Hulings, and Anders Zorn. However, her master teacher and the person she credits with pushing her to a higher level of excellence is her ever-patient and loving husband, Morgan Weistling. She also credits God with giving her this talent. Publications include Art Business News Magazine, International Artist, Southwest Art, and Western Art & Architecture magazines. Her work also appears in How Did You Paint That? 100 Ways to Paint Your Favorite Subjects, by International Artist magazine, and is in the private collections of Michael Chang, the estate of Andy Gump; Raymond Cruz, and Beth Maitland.

JoAnn Peralta is represented by Trailside Galleries, Jackson, Wyoming, and Scottsdale, Arizona.