Born the 8th child of 11, Joe was interested in art at a young age. However, it was many years later that his artistic leanings could be realized.
He was trained in Science and Technology and eventually got a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Design. For a number of years he designed computer circuits and then achieved his Master's Degree in Business Management. He spent 20 years as a computer consultant to gear manufacturers and warehousing businesses.
Wanting to spend more time with his children, he went into teaching for the remainder of his working years. During that time, he and his boys converted their basement into an oil painting studio, and finally he was into the art he loves so much.
Retiring to the mountains of western North Carolina, he took lessons in drawing, watercolors, acrylics, and portraits. In addition to these studies, he also studied with local and nationally known artists: Richard Kaiser, Tony Couch, Sue Connor, Dr. Joe Robinson, Carol Brody, and Sarah Sneeden.