JoAnn Peralta will demonstrate portrait oil painting at the Monday, Nov. 19, meeting of the Santa Clarita Artists Association (SCAA). This event is free, open to the public and meets at 6:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, located at 23630 Valencia Blvd.

Peralta, a book and editorial magazine illustrator since 2004, crossed over into Fine Art and is known in the Western art world for her stirring depiction of American immigrants contributing to the American landscape, as well as southwestern historical figures. With her lush brushwork and luminescent light, she creates a timeless flair to her paintings.

Peralta is a Masters artist at the Autry Masters of the American West Exhibition for nine years; and exhibited at the Small Works, Great Wonders Show, held at the National Cowboy and Western Museum (Oklahoma); amongst others. She studied at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, where she was awarded a full-time scholarship. Since then, her work has been featured in publications such as: International Art Magazine, Art Business News Magazine, International Artist, Southwest Art, Western Art and Architecture, Cowboys and Indians Magazine, Fine Art Connoisseur, and Art of the West.

Her first book titled, Math Face, is a memoir, chronicles the events when she made the connection that math and science could propel her fine art to success. Peralta explains the thinking involved to make the leap from analytic thought to masterful drawings and paintings.

“It all begins with boundaries and plumb lines of truths, which help pave the way for creative expression,” says Peralta. Art History is one of her passions.

Come early, standing room only by 6:30 p.m. See www.SantaClaritaArtists.org.