Meet Joyce Labaw

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Joyce Labaw again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Joyce, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
Hi there, I paint acrylic landscapes and abstracts. After over thirty years as a mechanical engineer at IBM, I retired and began painting as a hobby. I joined the Creative Arts Society, a local non-profit collective where I began exhibiting my art, then selling and then participating in art festivals. I serve on the Board of Directors and just completed my third term as President. I also volunteer weekly at the Community First! Village for formerly homeless neighbors where I help run the fine art printing operations, so art has pretty much become a full-time second career.

My art tends toward bright colors and ranges from traditional landscapes to abstract evocative landscapes to animals and inspirational abstracts. My goal is to create beautiful art that will make people happy, catch their eye from a distance and draw them closer with details, texture and layers.

Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
Last year, for various reasons (some good, some not so good), I was not able to paint as much as I would have liked. I am looking forward to getting back to the studio more this year where I will continue to challenge myself to develop my skills. As an engineer by training, I tend toward being meticulous and detailed. I am trying to be more free and loose with my painting technique as this results in my best pieces. I also really like the look of lots of layers and textures to create more interest and dimensionality. The trick is figuring out which layers to show through and which to blend over.

In addition to my original paintings, I’ve recently begun to create reproductions that are covered in clear resin and presented in custom floating frames, made by my woodworking husband. These are very popular as the resin works really well with the bright colors I use, making the art even more vibrant.

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: The Greatest Showman

Favorite Book: Can’t pick just one

Favorite TV Show: Ted Lasso

Favorite Band or Artist: Kelly Clarkson

Mountains or Beach: Mountains

Favorite Sport (to watch): Swimming

Favorite Sport (to play): Swimming and Yoga

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Cross Country (running)

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Children’s Book Illustrator

French Fries or Onion Rings: Tater Tots

Favorite Breakfast Food: Breakfast taco with egg, cheese and bacon but I usually have a green protein smoothie

What would the perfect day look like for you? Please give us as many details as possible.
My perfect day would be at our home in Austin on a beautiful, cool Spring or Fall day. Our grown kids would be in town visiting. We’d start the day with a hike or a swim or maybe a pickleball game. We’d enjoy a brunch on the back deck. When the day warmed up, we would retreat inside for a board game– Spirit Island if we felt ambitious, otherwise Crew, So Clover or Pictionary. I would get some painting in and I’d be in the flow, working on an abstract that evolved organically and easily. I would squeeze in some yoga, working on my handstand goals. Also, there would be ice cream, popcorn and chocolate.

Website: https://joycelabaw.com

Instagram: @joycelabaw

LinkedIn: joyce-labaw

Facebook: https://joyce.labaw