Art Inspired by a World Worth Preserving
Artist Statement
Nature continually reminds me that beauty and resilience coexist. My artwork explores the relationship between the natural world and human-made environments, weaving together vibrant color, wildlife, botanical elements, and imaginative storytelling. Blending realism with whimsy, I create paintings that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and form a personal connection with the beauty that surrounds us.
Inspired by the landscapes and biodiversity of Costa Rica, my current body of work celebrates the interconnectedness of all living things and the values of environmental stewardship embodied by the country's Pura Vida philosophy. Each painting is created to spark wonder, inspire imagination, and bring lasting joy to the spaces it inhabits.
What Inspires My Work
I find inspiration in the small wonders that often go unnoticed—a dragonfly resting on a flower, the vibrant colors of a tropical bird, the delicate patterns found in butterfly wings, or the resilience of a wildflower thriving in unexpected places. Nature offers an endless source of beauty, curiosity, and discovery, reminding me that extraordinary things exist all around us.
Painting allows me to combine creativity, imagination, and problem-solving in ways that continually challenge and excite me. I enjoy exploring unexpected combinations of color, texture, and imagery, creating worlds where wildlife, flowers, and fantasy coexist. My hope is that each painting sparks a sense of wonder and helps viewers reconnect with the joy, beauty, and possibilities found in the natural world.
Current Portfolio
My current portfolio is a tribute to Costa Rica’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture, inspired by the country’s spirit of Pura Vida and its deep commitment to environmental preservation. This body of work is also the culminating project in the one-year Milan Mastery Program, which I plan to complete by Fall 2026.
Artist Bio
For more than three decades, Joyce Therieault has explored the creative possibilities of painting, transforming her lifelong fascination with nature into vibrant works of fine art. Based in Connecticut, Joyce holds a advanced degrees in business but she is currently enrolled in the Milan Mastery Program. While building a successful career in technology and raising a family, painting became both a creative outlet and a source of inspiration. What began as a personal pursuit evolved into a passionate artistic journey driven by curiosity, imagination, and a desire to create something uniquely her own.
Joyce's artwork explores the relationship between the natural world and the environments we create, revealing the beauty and interconnectedness that exist between them. Inspired by wildlife, flowers, insects, and diverse ecosystems, she blends realism with whimsy to create imaginative compositions filled with vibrant color and emotional depth. Her current body of work draws inspiration from the landscapes and biodiversity of Costa Rica and reflects her appreciation for environmental stewardship and the spirit of Pura Vida. Using a combination of traditional and mixed-media techniques, Joyce creates paintings that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the wonder that surrounds them. As she often says, "Nature continually reminds me that beauty and resilience coexist."
Working from her Connecticut studio, Joyce combines traditional oil painting with innovative techniques that incorporate watercolor, gold leaf, texture, and digital design. A lifelong learner and problem solver, she is continually experimenting with new materials and creative approaches. She is currently developing a new studio space adjacent to her home that will not only support the creation of larger works but will also provide a welcoming environment for fun, creative, and experimental art classes for residents of New London County. Joyce shares her passion for art with her family and believes creativity flourishes in community. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her collection of large-scale originals and commissioned works, build meaningful partnerships that support environmental conservation and women's causes, and inspire others to discover the joy, wonder, and resilience found through artistic expression.
Education/Training
2025–Present — Student, Milan Art School / Mastery Program
2024 — Mixed Media Workshop with Maria Grossbaum
1995 – 2020 Dorothy Fillmore Art Studio
Exhibitions
Lyman Art Association, Lyme, CT - 2025 to present
Artist Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, RI - 2025 to present
The Local, New London, CT - 2025 to present. Solo show planned for Fall 2026.
Mystic Artist Collective Plein Air Show - June 2026
Hygienic Art, New London, CT - 2026
Norwich Artist Collective, Norwich, CT - 2025
Velvet Mill Artists, Stonington, CT - 2024 to present
West Hartford Art League, West Hartford, CT - 2012
Hillstead Museum, Farmington, CT - 2017
Stonington Lobster Trap Tree - 2024 to present
Various restaurants and coffee shops in Southeastern Connecticut
Stonington Art Show – 2025