Background & Education
The Watercolor Diva, Joy Sabin Lyons, is an accomplished artist with years of training and experience in the field she is so passionate about, "watercolor". Born in southern Texas, raised in Arkansas and New Orleans Joy now divides her time between North Georgia and the Mississippi Gulf coast.
Joy began her training in New Orleans at the John McCrady School of Fine and Applied Arts , followed by attending Tulane University also in New Orleans. Her field of study included Fine Arts, Commercial Art, and Interior Design. Joy reignited her art career in the Atlanta area. There she studied under Jan Greenwald followed by classes with Joseph Fettinges, Billie Mathis, Tom Lynch and Terry Madden all focusing on her true passion “ watercolor”. Joy is a Madden Certified Teacher. Back to the Top
She then began her art career by entering the commercial art arena as a fashion illustrator. Later Joy started a small art firm specializing in individualized and hand painted art gifts while taking time to raise three wonderful daughters.
Joy's current projects include artist renderings for architectural firms, capturing the historical downtown Ellijay in watercolor as well as group and individual art instruction. Back to the Top
Joy’s art has been displayed in galleries in North Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana and in private collections all over the Eastern United States.
Joy is a member of the Georgia Watercolor Society, Sharp Top Mountain Arts Association , Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association, Gilmer Arts and Historical Association, and The Arts of Hancock County. Back to the Top
Joy has been teaching watercolor classes in North Georgia for the last 11 years and has recently expanded her course coverage area to include Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi and Louisiana. Joy’s classes include individual and group lessons in both weekly and workshop formats. These classes provide instruction in value studies, composition, color theory, and basic watercolor techniques. All of her students complete 2 or more paintings in each course. Her method of instruction is as light and relaxed as is her personality. Back to the Top
The mountains of North Georgia is home now where Joy resides with her favorite pets; two dogs, one cat and an occasional bear. She does however take extended vacations in Waveland, Mississippi, Tampa, Florida and New Orleans, Louisiana where much of her subject matter originates. The Watercolor Diva is also a proud grand mother. Joy hopes her grand daughter, Jaylen, follows in her path of Artistic Expression. Back to the Top