Joan Gillespie was born in Dundee in 1954. She studied painting at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art Dundee and completed a Diploma course at Edinburgh College of Art. Her artistic training at college benefited from studying under Alberto Morrocco and also with Sir Robin Philippson

Joan had an affinity for the art works of some of the Impressionists, the Nabis, the Newlyn School, the Glasgow Boys and the Scottish Colourists. Other influences have been modern masters of Fauvism - Derain, Matisse and Cezanne. Composition, paint quality and colour distribution in painting have always been very important to her.

The diversity of Joan Gillespie’s work is quite extraordinary. It ranges from enchanting collection of Portraits, Figurative works, Landscapes and Still Life. Her fresh-faced portraits definine the essence of feminine grace and beauty. She captures the cool, calm poses of young women through the simplicity of quick, broad brushstrokes with just a couple of lines.

Joan has a bold, vibrant approach to the use of colour, both in palette choice and wild, carefree application. Despite the vibrancy of tone and texture, her art works are both evocative and quiet in their composition and execution.

Since 2021 Joan Gillespie has been exclusively represented by Red Rag Gallery. Her works are in numerous collections throughout the UK and private art collections in Spain, Australia and USA.