Joan Hay is a contemporary watercolour artist based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Her paintings explore the distinctive qualities of watercolour—the merging of paint and water, the movement of colour across paper and the unexpected forms that emerge along the way.

Rather than beginning with a fixed vision, Joan allows each painting to evolve as she works. Inspiration can come from a single mark on the paper; from there, her hand follows the movement of the water and paint as the composition gradually reveals itself.

Joan draws inspiration from the natural world and the changing character of her surroundings. Since becoming an artist, she has found herself observing the sky, sea, trees and landscape with greater attention. Blues, purples and greys merge within atmospheric skies, while clouds offer endless opportunities for freedom and experimentation.

Alongside brushes, Joan uses a variety of tools and techniques to create movement, texture and unexpected effects. For her, the true magic of watercolour lies in its unpredictability. Although controlling water and pigment is a learned skill, she also values the moments when the medium takes its own direction.

Painting was something Joan had always wanted to pursue. She began by attending watercolour workshops before gradually developing her own style and approach. Prior to painting, she was an avid potter, but watercolour ultimately captured her imagination and has continued to fascinate her for more than a decade.

Joan has received several local awards and regularly exhibits throughout Hawke’s Bay. Her work has been shown at Tennyson Gallery in Napier, Creative Arts Napier, Arts Inc. Heretaunga, Art Hawke’s Bay exhibitions, Napier Arts Club, Rinitawa Gallery in Woodville and the Hereworth School fundraising exhibition. She has also participated in the Hawke’s Bay Art Trail for the past three years, selling work to collectors from New Zealand and overseas.

Now in her fourth year as Chair of Art Hawke’s Bay, Joan works alongside a dedicated team of volunteers to create opportunities for artists across the region. The organisation curates the annual Artfully Yours exhibition and recently presented its inaugural portrait exhibition. Joan took on the role after receiving an award for one of her paintings, seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the artistic community that had supported her.

She is also involved with the Napier Arts Club, a thriving creative group offering workshops and open sessions for members and others interested in making art. Connecting with artists, collectors and visitors remains an important and rewarding part of Joan’s creative life.

Joan paints from a small garden studio at her home—although when it becomes too full of artworks, her practice expands onto the dining-room table. She enjoys discussing how her paintings were created and sharing something of the magic, challenge and discovery held within watercolour.

Joan welcomes enquiries about commissioned pieces.

Because with watercolour, the most beautiful moments often begin when paint and water are given the freedom to find their own way.