Joan Patterson is a realist graphite artist, now retired, who lives in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Early on, her work was botanical in nature and has transitioned to mostly the animal world.  

Capturing the look in the face of any animal, the light in their eyes and the intensity of their focus is what keeps her drawing. Graphite is her preferred medium followed by watercolor. Upon entering her first juried art show, her African Rhino received first prize. Joan has also won various prizes for other work, though she prefers animal portraiture. For friends who have lost their pets or love their puppy, memories can be depicted in graphite.

While mostly self-taught, she studied art while attending college, also Botanical art and illustration classes at the New York Botanical Garden and years at the Lasdon Arboretum in Somers, New York along with local artists in the Plymouth area.

When not at the easel, Joan can be found on the golf course, refinishing furniture, making Nantucket baskets or reading.