Joe A. Oakes was a curious and observant child that began drawing at age five. He’s been painting full time since 2008 and like other artists, had many previous occupations including, substitute teacher, art consultant and graphic designer. Oakes has survived cancer and the loss of a child and used these life changing events to propel his art career forward. His landscapes burn with the first brilliant seconds of sunrise and the last fiery moments of sunset. Expressing those feelings through the use of bold, vibrant highlights and shadows of violet hues is his signature. His work offers a meditative sense of calm and happiness, with a profound reverence for the mountains, canyons and valleys of the West and Southwest. Oakes holds a BFA from CSU, Fullerton and resides near Palm Springs, California.
