About Joan Boryta's Watercolors

My Philosophy

Watercolor has been my companion through journeys across continents and landscapes - from the somber beauty of New England to the rich greens of Ireland to the sun-drenched shores of Barbados, ending here in Southern California. I paint loosely with impressionist touches that chse light and atmosphere rather than perfect detail. For me, the magic happens when I put the reference photo away and paint from what lives inside -- the feeling, the memory, the heart of a place.I'm largely self-taught, which means I've learned by doing, failing, and falling deeper in love with th4 unforgiving, gorgeous medium. Watercolor keeps me honest. It demands spontaneity and forgiveness in equal measure. Whether I'm capturing the mood of an Irish countryside or the vibrant energy of island life, I'm always searching for that moment when color and water conspire to create something that feels alive. I hope these paintings invite you to pause, breathe, and connect with the landscapes that have shaped my artistic journey.

Meet Joan Boryta

A native of New England, the mountains and valleys of rich green, hillside farms, and rolling streams became Joan's palette. She lusted for more material to paint and ventured to Ireland and its lush greens of a different temperature.

She experienced two rounds of being “artist in residence” in Cill Rialaig, producing many exceptional Irish landscapes. And then, a new direction and Joan found herself on the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados for ten years of very

productive watercolor painting.

Joan now resides in Seal Beach with yet another palette change...subtle color, white light, and a more flat terrain.

She teaches and quickly turns those who think the medium is unforgiving and just too hard into seeing and believing that it's not so. It’s such a great way to live, always seeing beauty in the surroundings and being able to turn that beauty into a lasting and priceless piece of history.