There is NO Shortage of New Projects
Welcome to my blog ... I’m Joy Skinner, a fine artist who has spent years exploring the beauty of watercolor and acrylic painting. Art has always been my passion, and over time, I’ve expanded my creative pursuits in ways I never imagined. A recent project has been publishing three coloring books and today I'm writing my first romance novel. I hope you enjoy my story, A Creative Journey: Fine Art to Coloring Books and Storytelling.
A Love for Art: Watercolors, Acrylics, and All Things Creative
My artistic journey began with a camera in one hand and paintbrushes in the other. I've always been had the ability to see relationships between light and color. This, along studying the works of other artists, helped me to bring animal, floral, and landscape paintings to life. Watercolor and acrylics have always been my preferred mediums. They help to express the fluidity of nature and the vibrancy of the world around us. I've been fortunate enough to show my work in some pretty big shows and have taught many workshops over the years. My work has evolved a LOT, but a basic love for color, composition, and storytelling through art remains at the heart of every Original Painting or Giclee Reproduction that I create.
Bringing a Love of Art into Coloring Books
A few years ago, I saw an opportunity to bring my love of painting into a new realm—coloring books. A close and dear person to me is on the autistic scale and suffers from ADHD. After a lot of research, I found that coloring was an activity that helps a lot with the related anxiety and stress. I decided to create something that would not only help her, but allow others to experience the passion for art and joy of color that I have been blessed to experience. These coloring books are kids or adults, the experienced artist, complete beginner or those simply looking for a relaxing creative outlet.
Stepping into the World of Fiction: The Crimson Cove Series
While art has always been a huge part of my life, I’ve also had a deep love for storytelling. That’s why I’m thrilled to be working on my first romance novel "Capturing the Dream", the first book in my Crimson Cove Series. We're aiming for it to be published early in 2026.
Set in the picturesque coastal town of Crimson Cove, California, this story follows Tess Munroe, a college student whose dreams of being a national-level gymnast are shattered after an injury. As she struggles to redefine herself, she finds unexpected strength in her friendships—and in Luke Elliot, a charismatic baseball player who has always admired her from afar. Their journey explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of love to heal and transform.
Crimson Cove itself plays a huge role in the story. It’s a town that’s both bustling and serene, known for its iconic pier, vibrant marine center, and a unique mix of tourism and innovation. Just as the setting breathes life into the novel, I hope it draws readers into Tess’s world, making them feel part of this close-knit yet evolving community.
Until next time … Joy