Artists' Websites: Joe Shannon

Joe Shannon has been one of the most influential DMV area artists for many decades and his new website allows you to explore what makes Shannon tick.

Diana with Acolytes, 2011, Oil on Canvas, 27x40

Joe was born in 1933 in Puerto Rico, raised in D.C. He studied art at the Corcoran School of Art, but he was largely self taught. Looking at masterworks, lots of practice and self-criticism revealed his direction. He loved Degas for his technique, composition and even psychology; but for subjects, salty and mythic it was Picasso graphics, like “The Sculptor’s Studio” and the drawing therein that had deep impact.

Joe worked for the Smithsonian for 26 years as an exhibition designer and curator. He has organized world class exhibitions, and written articles in major art magazines and newspapers, and juried many shows. He teaches currently at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore; he lectures, and has taught at other universities.

His work has been shown in galleries and museums around the world. Joe’s work is in many important collections, private and public – i.e. – The Corcoran, Hirshhorn, and Brooklyn Museums among others.

 Visit his website here