Art critic David Betz has described Joan's work as a "sensual organic abstract painting," highlighting her deep connection to nature and her focus on the inherent design of natural elements. Her Earth Objects series embodies this connection by incorporating organic materials like twigs, leaves, and pods on local hiking trails. These natural objects form the core of her compositions, emphasizing the raw beauty of the world around her. More recently, Joan has introduced ceramic animals into her work, strikingly contrasting man-made creations and the natural elements she collects. This juxtaposition adds a new layer of depth, inviting viewers to reflect on the relationship between the artificial and the organic.

Central to her Earth Objects series is a unique process Joan developed called "image archaeology™." This technique involves digitally manipulating and physically applying natural materials to uncover the hidden 'skeletal essence' of the objects she collects. By revealing the underlying layers of these materials, Joan emphasizes the unseen beauty within nature, turning the artistic process into a form of discovery. This method has become a signature part of her creative identity, allowing her to explore nature beyond its surface.
 

"Image archaeology™" also reflects Joan’s ongoing search for a balance between the subject and its background. Through strategic paint application and thoughtful projection, she fosters a dynamic dialogue between the two, creating paintings that resonate with energy. For Joan, each piece is more than a static image; it is an interaction—an energy exchange between the artist and the artwork. This interaction reflects the essence of nature, Joan’s creative process, and her connection to the world she portrays.
 

Joan is also recognized for her direct painting and Alla prima techniques. These methods allow her to capture the immediacy and energy of her subjects through spontaneous, single-session painting. Direct painting emphasizes her intuitive engagement with the canvas, while Alla prima allows her to work wet-on-wet, capturing the raw moment as she interacts with the materials. These approaches reflect her dynamic process and reinforce her desire to convey the natural world’s immediacy and energy.