Joan Taylor and a Lifetime of Art

They say art is in the eye of the beholder, but when it comes to some artists and their work, it doesn’t matter who the beholder is. Some pieces simply transcend the viewer.

As art has evolved over the years, it has become increasingly interpretive. The ambiguity in the artwork’s meaning adds to its mystery and appeal. For 87-year-old local Long Beach artist Joan Taylor, much of her work displays this enigmatic quality. 

She lives in a house that appears quaint yet ordinary from the outside. But once inside, it becomes obvious that this is the home of an artist. 

In true artist form, Taylor's house is decorated throughout with various paintings and decorations. Photo by Nate Martinez

Numerous paintings line the walls of her house, some her own, some the works of her favorite artists. Various Christmas decorations fill every empty space in the living room, from the coffee table to the mantle over the fireplace. Yes, she knows it’s February now. But a broken hip has prevented her from putting the decorations away. The amount of color throughout her home is striking, but refreshing.

Despite her work’s professional appearance, Taylor has only professionally painted for the last 15 years. Her passion for art however has lasted for as long as she can remember. 

“I’ve loved art ever since I was in kindergarten,” Taylor said fondly. “I can still remember my first painting.”

Taylor was born and raised in Long Beach, where art played a pivotal role in her youth. Her father was a pastel painter and was the one who first introduced her to art. She believed he could have truly been successful as an artist, but the reality of providing for a family outweighed his desire to be an artist.

“You could say art runs in the family,” she said.

Taylor shares one of her favorite pieces that she's painted to describe how she felt after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. Like her cancer, the painting is now a thing of the past and now sits in her garage. Photo by Nate Martinez

Like her father however, being a full time artist was never a serious consideration, so when Taylor married and had children, she pushed her passion to the side. Not entirely however, as she continued taking art classes at Long Beach City College and the Cypress Recreation Center. 

“If you don’t keep painting then you’re going to lose it,” she said.

Once her children had grown and moved out of her house, Taylor finally decided to seriously pursue art. Around this time, former Gov. Arnold Shwarzenegger had passed a bill allowing people over the age of 60 to attend California State Universities (CSU’s) for free. So Taylor figured she might as well take advantage. As a Long Beach native, naturally she chose to attend CSULB. Here she developed her “expressionist impressionist” style through the teachings of numerous art and art history classes. 

“I can’t paint things the way they are,” Taylor said. “I have to torque them.”

Although she never officially graduated, she did take every single art class offered. Taylor still remembers all of the other artists in her classes and their inspirational work. Because of this, she pushed herself to learn and grow, picking up different tricks along the way that helped develop her unique style. 

While she loves painting flowers and people’s portraits, the majority of her work consists of abstract hodgepodges of color that blend to make beautiful pieces of art. Some are bright and lively, while others are more deep and somber. She acknowledged that her style isn’t for everyone, but for her it is a source of true happiness. 

Taylor shuffles through countless paintings stored in her garage. Photo by Nate Martinez

“It makes it more exciting for me because I can play. I can do whatever I want; push it,” Taylor said, with a look of excitement. 

Since her husband’s passing in 2015, art has become only more meaningful. 

“Painting was the only thing that kept me sane,” she said. “Since he’s been gone, whenever I paint is when I’m happiest.” 

Although most of her work remains unpurchased sitting in a room upstairs in her house, Taylor doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Her broken hip currently prevents her from standing at an easel, but as soon as her body is able she will get right back to painting. For Taylor, it was never about making money or becoming a renowned artist. Art has always been about pursing her passion and doing what brings her the most joy. 

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop painting,” Taylor said. “As long as I’m able, I’ll paint until the end.”