About the Artist
Johanne Descoteaux, Artist, BFA, MFA
I love the satisfying feel and sound of painting with soft pastels on the sanded panels I prepare. I also love hiking local and National Parks throughout North America! Today I find creative joy while pastel painting “en Plein Air” (French term for “in open air”) while hiking with my portable pastel palette. Painting “en Plein Air” is an incredible experience, as all of my senses are fully engaged. There is a spiritual connection; like being in the grandest of cathedrals! I try to capture this elevated state on a two dimensional surface while in the moment. These experiences and my photographs inform my studio painting as well.
Education
1984 - Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Michigan School of Art Ann Arbor, Magna Cum Laude
1986 - Master of Fine Arts, Rackham Graduate School at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Professional Experience
1984 - 1991 Adjunct Professor of Life Drawing and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Michigan School of Art
1986 - 1994 Adjunct Professor of Drawing, Printmaking, and Art Appreciation at Schoolcraft College, Livonia Michigan
2021 - Acceptance of Soft Pastel Painting “Padre Seashore” into Water Category of Plein Air Salon
2022 - June Winner of ‘People’s Choice Award’ at “Paint Tawas Pointe” Plein Air Competition
2022 - August Four Paintings in “Plein Air Glacier”, one of 36 Juried Participants
2022 - September Member Show at CoBach Gallery in Brighton Michigan
2022 - October Fresh “Plein Air Milford” Participant
2023 - Estes Valley Plein Air, at the Art Center of Estes Park, Co.
2023 - Juried Invitational Participant in the Escalante Canyons Art Festival Competition, and Winner 3rd Place Nocturne
