Joan C. Waites

Like most artists, I've been drawing, painting and creating for as long as I can remember. My favorite childhood things included crayons, books, and Halloween. These are still some of my favorite things, but now I paint with watercolors creating art and text for books, dressing my characters up in all sorts of costumes. Unfortunately, I still like eating too much candy. After pursuing work in another career, I returned to art and studied at The George Washington University, The Corcoran Museum School of Art and Design, The Maryland College of Art and Design and competed my Illustration studies at The Maryland Institute College of Art in 1990. I have been illustrating for the Children's market for over twenty years, publishing more than 45 titles for the trade and educational markets. My experience also includes work in textile design, medical, magazine and poster art. I have been fortunate to win the following awards: Teacher's Choice Award IRA/CBC Children's Choice Award IRA/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book Benjamin Franklin Award. Along with freelancing, I have worked as an adjunct faculty member for The Corcoran Museum School of Art and Design in Washington D.C. In 2011, I opened my own art studio for Children (Purple Crayon Studio),where I teach a variety of classes throughout the year. Since 2000, I have worked as the Illustrator Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic SCBWI, and belong to the Children's Book Guild of Washington D.C., the Picture Book Artists Association, and the National Association of Art Educators.