About the Artist

J. V. Magoon moved to Lake County, CA from the San Francisco Bay Area in 1978. Since that time she has been a participating artist in many shows and competitions, and has garnered numerous awards in many media. She has shown her work extensively, and has been accepted in regional, national, and international competitions.

While Magoon enjoys working in many media, over the last few years she has concentrated on her pastel landscapes.

Having worked in many media, I prefer pastels to render my Northern California landscapes. Pastels allow me to produce the softness and brilliance of watercolor as well as the strength and intensity of oils. With pastels, I can use my drawing and painting skills for a spontaneous or studied approach.

I am fortunate to live in a beautiful area. While some of my work is done en plein air, much of it is done in my studio from plein air studies and from my photos of the quiet, special places that have captivated me. I attempt to convey a sense of tranquility and serenity in my paintings. I am drawn to the work of the Tonalists and the understated use of color by George Innes, Bruce Crane, and contemporary artists, John MacDonald and Vladimir Kirillov.

I believe that artists have no choice but to find a vehicle of expression for their creative energy.

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2025 California Art Club Show at St. Mary's Museum of Art
2024 Society of West-Coast Artists Oct/Nov Member Exhibition
2024 Pacific Artistry Showcase - 3 pieces accepted
2024 Sebastopol Center for the Arts - North Star Gala
2024 Mendocino Art Center - Member Exhibition
2024 Lost Sierra Plein Air Festival, Peoples Choice Award & 2nd Place in Quick Draw Event
2023 Carmel Art Festival - Blue Ribbon in Quick Draw Event
2023 Mendocino Art Center - Inspirare, Members Juried Exhibition
2022 California Art Club - Celebrating California
2022 Lost Sierra Plein Air Festival
2021 Mendocino Plein Air, Best Pastel
2002 - 2016 Signature Member, Pastel Society of the West Coast