Joan Chamberlain’s charcoal and pencil drawings capture details of light and shadow, conveying a 3D tactile feel to her artwork. Learn more about this artist by visiting her website.
![“Corks & Cab” Charcoal and Colored Pencil on Paper, 13" x 19" by artist Joan Chamberlain. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Corks-and-Cab-2-313x450.jpg)
“Corks & Cab” Charcoal and Colored Pencil on Paper, 13″ x 19″
In this age of digital media, I find a deep sense of calm in charcoal and pencil drawings. Charcoal on paper is my chosen medium. There is a warmth to simple chalk or pencil strokes – a direct connection to the artist’s process.
![“Whisk Until Foamy” Charcoal and Colored Pencil on Paper, 19" x 13" by artist Joan Chamberlain. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Hands_eggs_buff-2-450x285.jpg)
“Whisk Until Foamy” Charcoal and Colored Pencil on Paper, 19″ x 13″
My choice of medium reflects a guiding principle in my life, the concept of editing. Recognize what is essential and remove the rest. It sounds simple, but it’s not easy.
![“Have a Cab” Charcoal and Colored Pencil on Paper, 13" x 19" by artist Joan Chamberlain. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Have-a-Cab-2-285x450.jpg)
“Have a Cab” Charcoal and Colored Pencil on Paper, 13″ x 19″
I have always been attracted to realism in art. As a child, I had access to picture books full of paintings and sculpture. I was captivated by the sketches of da Vinci and Michelangelo – the studies of folds as a gown draped over the subject’s knees. I aspired to creating such depth and dimension with only a pencil.
![“Kitchen Whisk” Colored Pencil on Bristol Paper, 19" x 13"by artist Joan Chamberlain. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Tools_whisk8x10-2-450x310.jpg)
“Kitchen Whisk” Colored Pencil on Bristol Paper, 19″ x 13″
My subject matter is hands, particularly those of chefs and others who prepare and serve the things we eat and drink. Cooking is theater and I want to capture the dance. What Edgar Degas did for ballet, I’d like to do for cooking.
![“Piping” Charcoal on Paper, 19" x 13" by artist Joan Chamberlain. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Wendy-piping-2-450x288.jpg)
“Piping” Charcoal on Paper, 19″ x 13″
Recently retired after thirty-five years as a dentist, I am newly committed to art full time. One of my goals is to elevate the imagery of the kitchen, and the mastery and magic of great cooking.
![“Evening at Lark” Charcoal on Paper, 18" x 24" by artist Joan Chamberlain. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Evening-at-Lark-2-346x450.jpg)
“Evening at Lark” Charcoal on Paper, 18″ x 24″
My love of food started at a young age, watching my mother. I watched her boil sugar and cocoa, drop a bead of the hot liquid into a glass of water to test for doneness, and magically produce a batch of smooth, rich fudge. Her mastery didn’t stop with sweets. She never had to make me eat my vegetables. In her hands they were always fresh and flavorful.
![“Scissors & Twine” Colored Pencil on Bristol Paper, 24" x 18" by artist Joan Chamberlain. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Scissors_Twine-2-450x329.jpg)
“Scissors & Twine” Colored Pencil on Bristol Paper, 24″ x 18″
Another goal I am passionate about is creating “portrait” galleries in restaurants. I envision a wall featuring hand portraits of the executive chef, the sous chef, the sommelier, a bartender, a waiter, a busboy.
![“Sonoma Afternoon” Charcoal on Paper, 13" x 19" by artist Joan Chamberlain. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Sonoma-afternoon-2-293x450.jpg)
“Sonoma Afternoon” Charcoal on Paper, 13″ x 19″
I’d love an opportunity to show how such a gallery can be an integral part of the ambiance, capturing moments that reveal the special flavor of that restaurant.
![“Caleb's Espresso” Charcoal on Paper, 24" x 18" by artist Joan Chamberlain. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Calebs-Espresso-2-450x308.jpg)
“Caleb’s Espresso” Charcoal on Paper, 24″ x 18″
What goes on behind the scenes has always captured my imagination – in art, in life, in the kitchen. Mindful of my guiding principle of focusing on the essential, I’d like to bring the essence of the kitchen to life with my art.
![“Last Look” Charcoal on Paper, 13" x 19" by artist Joan Chamberlain. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Last-Look-2-292x450.jpg)
“Last Look” Charcoal on Paper, 13″ x 19″
In my mind, that essence is in the hands.
Artist Joan Chamberlain invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
I admire your control of the medium. I hope you get your portrait wishes.
Thank you, Martha! Control is available some days more than others 🙂
Your artwork is amazing. They are all very realistic with incredible detail. I wish you all the best being able to show your work at various restaurants and galleries.
Thank you, Debby! I apologize for my late reply – I just now saw your encouraging comment. I appreciate your kind words!