Meet Jo Allebach: Artist – Impressionist Landscapes and other things

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jo Allebach and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jo, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Inspired Inspiration comes from observing the light and shadows and how they present the world around us and all its beauty. The physical process of putting the paint on the canvas gives me peace, calm and joy. This inspires me to present a painting that the viewer will find they feel those same feelings. One big thing, I was fortunate enough to go to Paris several years ago and went to Giverny. I was so amazed and got such a feeling that propels me to paint even if I would be struggling to get to the easel. I have known very deep darkness in my life, and this has inspired me to want to paint beauty and pleasant places. I love it when people exclaim “I have been there” or “I want to be there” even it is sometimes a montage of a beautiful place

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Artist When painting I strive to capture sunbeams peeking through the forest or shining on a field of tulips. I paint mostly with acrylics to paint landscapes, and nearly any other subject. I use a thick body acrylic and use it like you would oil making sure there is plenty of texture to add to the total experience for the viewer. Challenges along the way were accentuated by being limited financially because painting is not a cheap endeavor. Using the highest quality products are a must, nonetheless. But things worked out. The first painting I sold was so amazing to know someone I did not know or was not related to me wanted to take a painting home with them and spend real money for it. I knew I had created something that made them feel good and I valued that very much. I am a guest curator for a show called Vacation at the Herberger which will be running virtually Feb 5th to March 29th of this year. Hopefully, we can see it in person sometime later in the year if all goes well with the virus. I will then have a show with my artwork at The Herberger Art Center later this fall or winter. Dates and times will be announced when available. I have been so fortunate that I got into painting. It pretty much consumes my life in such a good way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Favorite Spots in the City Showing a friend in Phoenix a good time would start out at Joe’s Diner for the best pancakes you will ever eat. Then we would fill the days with a trip to the Art Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and the Zoo. We will head over to Scottsdale’s Old Town and the galleries. Probably stop at Malee’s Restaurant. And pop in for a glass of wine at Carlson Creek Vineyard Tasting Room. The diverse restaurants along 7th Avenue right in the neighborhood would give us an opportunity to pick what appealed to us at the time. We would go to Durant’s for an incredibly special dinner. Then we would call Sierra Bonita to order from the menu and take it home. Used to be a favorite restaurant but they only do takeout since the virus came to town. After running around, we might just enjoy the sunshine and just rest.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout My journey with art started as Art Therapy. I did not paint until I came to Art Awakenings where once I started to paint, I did not stop. I can thank that program very much. Another big influence is the Phoenix Artists Guild. The comradery, helping each other out, the numerous exhibits throughout the year (quite stifled this year due to the virus). That leads me to an amazing artist, Julie Frye who helped me grow as an artist over the years with the valuable feedback during the critiquing process. She has given me information that has given my paintings a more dynamic look. One big thing, I was fortunate enough to go to Paris several years ago and went to Giverny. I was so amazed and got such a feeling that propels me to paint even if I would be struggling to get to the easel. I can also thank all the people and organizations who have found what they want to have around them as far as art and picked mine. Those people are all over the world.

Website: JoAllebachFineArt.com
Instagram: allebach-jo
Twitter: @AZfineArt
Facebook: Jo Ann Allebach

Image Credits
Jo Allebach Michael Spector