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    • Meet the Directors
  • Gallery
    • Current Exhibition
    • Upcoming Exhibitions
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    • Child Portraits
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​"Painting portraits captures people but it also
​captures the artist capturing people." 

                                           - Eric Fischl

Fine Art Commissions

Why a painted portrait?
​

With the prevalence of photography people often ask us why they should commission a painting. We feel the answer lies in the question. Photography is indeed ubiquitous these days. It's not unusual for one to have over 10,000 photos stored in the cloud. We may flip through these and reminisce; we may frame our favorites and place them around our home, but a painted portrait is different. It's powerful, singular, and resides in a place of honor, where it can be enjoyed everyday. It is an heirloom, to be passed down and enjoyed by generation after generation. 

For as long as modern man has been around, so has portrait painting. It is a genre with a long and continuous history, and it's safe to say it will continue for centuries to come. CANVAS ArtSpace believes in this continuum of art, creativity and expression, and its distinctly human connection. With our fine art commissions, we carry on the history begun by the great masters of cultures worldwide, and invite you to share in that experience with us.

​Select one of the categories below to explore our portfolio and learn more about commissioning artwork, including process, pricing, framing and shipping. 

pets
Children

About the Artist 

​JOEL EDWARDS
​
Co-Director & Lead Instructor, CANVAS ArtSpace

​
Joel Edwards, founder and Co-Director of CANVAS ArtSpace, grew up in a creative household, both parents being professional painters and professors of art.  Following in their footsteps, Joel decided to pursue a career in art, studying at the at the AICA Studio Program in New York and at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in painting.  Joel also studied at the Sante Fe Master’s program with American figurative painter Eric Fischl. 

After graduating in 1991, Joel had the unique opportunity to work under American artist Helen Frankenthaler as her studio and teaching assistant.  Feeling at home in a teaching role, Joel went on to earn his teaching certification with a concentration in visual art from the Parsons School of Design, New York, NY. Since then, Joel has taught art in public schools and private studio settings, on subjects ranging from comic book design to classical painting. 

When he’s not teaching, Joel continues to develop his art practice, working on his paintings, as well as commissioned art for clients across the United States. He has exhibited for over 20 years in the New York metro area, including solo exhibitions at the Susan Berke Gallery, “RSVP24,” at the Society of Illustrators, and “Greater Brooklyn” at CRG Gallery.

In 2016, Joel moved with his wife, Jennifer, and two children from the Catskill region of New York State to Hendersonville, NC, where he and his family now reside. 
Picture
Joel Edwards, Self Portrait, 1992, Oil on board, 9 x 8 in.
CANVAS ArtSpace
212 S. Church Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-577-4590

Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm
​Sunday by appointment
copyright CANVAS ArtSpace, 2017.
  • About
    • Meet the Directors
  • Gallery
    • Current Exhibition
    • Upcoming Exhibitions
    • Past Exhibitions
    • Open Call
  • Commissions
    • Child Portraits
    • Pet Portraits
  • Classes
    • Adult Classes
    • Youth Classes
    • Art Club
    • Workshop Series
    • Life Drawing
  • EVENTS
    • Calendar
    • Event Photos
  • Contact
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