Artist Sees Beauty in Everyday Things

Between the Carrollwood Cultural Center and the Life Enrichment Center, one thing is clear: North Tampa is a community full of talented artists.

We recently talked to one named Joanmarie Whittinghill who has shown her work around Tampa Bay.

Patch: How did you get your start as an artist?

Whittinghill: I took art classes in high school and a few in college. However, I stopped art while I was working. But, I dabbled at it from time to time, doing portraits and taking occasional classes. When I moved to Florida and had more free time, it seemed like a great opportunity to pursue my hobby full time.

Patch: Who or what influences you?

Whittinghill: Major influences are seeing a beautiful landscape, a wonderful touching moment at sunset, a person's adorable pet, talking with someone while they are describing something that they love. Also, my favorite artists, J.M.W. Turner and of course Manet, Monet, and Rembrandt, all of those artists that I studied during art school have certainly influenced my painting.

Patch: What are misconceptions you think people have about artists?

Whittinghill: That's a little more difficult to answer. Some people think artists are tempermental or very independent, but I don't think that's always true.  They are really not that much different than any one else, they only see things differently and are inspired to reproduce what they see on canvas. Artists see the beauty in everyday things. For instance, I enjoy painting everyday household things almost as much as a beautiful person or frisky pet.

Patch: What does your work say about you as a person?

Whittinghill:  I don't know if I would say the same thing that others would about my painting, but I only paint things that I enjoy. Most of my paintings are of people or animals, with occasional landscapes. I especially love to do people's pets and children, those are the two most important things in everyone's lives and I love to see the reaction when I present the finished portrait to the proud owner.

Patch: How can members of the community see your work?

Whittinghill:  I currently have two of my paintings on display with the great artists from the North Tampa Art League at Hunters Green Country Club Clubhouse until Oct. 1.  I also have paintings in shows from time to time at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, and I have a website at www.elizzangalleries.com  and can be reached by email at jmhw1224@aol.com.