JoAnn LaPadula is an award-winning artist who resides in Fort Myers, Florida where she moved from the Finger Lake Region of New York State. She is a member of Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers Beach Art Association, Hirdie Girdie Gallery and the SanCap Art League. Her work has been featured on the cover of the SpotLight Magazine (and interview), Sand Life Magazine, in Gulfshore Life and in the Florida Watercolor Society online exhibit. Some of her works reside in collections as far away as Guantanamo and California.

After working graphic design for 30 years retirement gave her the opportunity to return to her interest in fine arts and she began painting in watercolor. Her signature style features a blowing/spraying technique and negative painting. JoAnn states: “I was not interested in the traditional watercolor style, so I attended a few workshops to find my own style. I say I am more of a ‘colorful’ abstract/realist rather than a traditional watercolor artist. Here in SWFL I am thrilled to say I was able to find people who have been a great inspiration to me, and I found the support I needed to begin my second career.” In addition to creating her own artwork JoAnn tries to inspire others by teaching a one-day workshop. She can be found on facebook at www.facebook.com/jlapwatercolorswfl or https://www.facebook.com/joann.lapadula/