Local Voices: JoAnne Perez Robinson

JoAnne Perez Robinson is one of Patch’s newest Local Voices bloggers. She's a painter by trade and has shown her work in festivals, local galleries and online.

Perez Robinson is a "daily painter," meaning she’s in her studio everyday with brush in hand. Patch stole Perez Robinson away from her canvas to find out more about the newest addition to our blogging team.

Gilroy Patch: When did you know that art was going to be your career?

JoAnne Perez Robinson: I've always felt I was an artist. I've been drawing and loving art all of my life. I took my first watercolor class in 1993 and have been hooked on painting ever since.  

I never thought it could be my job but I then started selling art to co-workers. When my daughter was born 15 years ago, I decided to leave my job, stay home with her and do my art too. It's been a great journey and I love what I do.

Patch: Was it easy to drop your day job for art?

Perez Robinson: I knew I wasn’t getting enough time to paint. I knew I had to decide, so I took the plunge and invested in my booth—my panels, canopy, card rack and all the things I need to work at art festivals.

My husband encouraged me and said to treat your art room like it's your job that you have to show up at each day and that's what I do.

Patch: How was it transitioning into the festival world?

Perez Robinson: It isn’t cheap to get started and so that part was a little scary. Booth fees can be expensive and then you have to have a good inventory of art to sell. Last year I did 12 shows starting in May. I do small local shows and large ones like the Garlic Festival and at Villa Montalvo.

Patch: Where is your favorite place to paint?

Perez Robinson: I turned a spare bedroom in my home into my studio. Everything is there—my art table, all my paints, canvas and music. My husband put up shelves around the room so I can put my paintings there as I finish them. 

It's my haven. I can shut the door and I am just gone!

Patch: Do you have a favorite local artist or gallery?

Perez Robinson: I have lots of favorite local artists. Julie Franco, Nancy Grieves and Whitney Pintello to name a few. I'm really jazzed about the Gilroy Center for the Arts and what they're doing. 

My favorite gallery is my online site, dailypaintworks.com. I am a daily painter and I post a new painting each day. I post my miniature paintings as they're easier to finish and ship. I love this site because it is another avenue to show and sell my work. Painting daily keeps me on my toes.  

Patch: What’s your take on the local art scene?

Perez Robinson: The Gilroy art scene has been heating up thanks to the Gilroy Center for the Arts. There is lots going on in our town. It’s not just visual arts but theatre, music, boutiques and wineries. It's great.

Gilroy Patch: How do you feel about blogging for Gilroy Patch?

Perez Robinson: I am really excited about it.

Patch: What kind of posts can we look forward to seeing from you?

Perez Robinson: I would like to write about how it is being an artist in these times with the Internet. It is possible to market your own art and be your own art representative these days. Also about what it’s like to be a daily painter and the challenge of that endeavor. I would like to focus on some of the very creative people we have in Gilroy. I already have a list!