Joel Summerhill was born and raised in the South, surrounded by people focused on the land and the landscape. This early exposure to nature shaped his life and art. He spent most of his career as a landscape architect and park planner in the Bay Area.

Now retired, he pursues his love of painting. Although he has worked in pencil, charcoal, and markers, he generally paints plein air in watercolor. His subjects are often bridges, factories, and old buildings that give his paintings a bold, contemporary look. His painting, “Two-Bridge View,” was accepted into the 40th California Watercolor Association National Show in 2010.

Joel has served as an officer and board member of several art organizations. He is a member of the VAG, the Delta Art Guild, and the California Watercolor Association. He is a 2014 recipient of an Arts and Recognition Award from the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors for his contributions as an artist, arts volunteer, and park planner.