By Joshua Lance
Santa Fe, NM (Sepember 2, 2010)—Transplanted New Mexican painter/muralist Joshua Lance has waited four years for this moment, an invitation to participate in the 17th annual New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival on Sept. 25 & 26 in downtown New Hope, PA.
As soon as this ambitious New Jersey-native painter read his acceptance letter, he wanted to do this show and cross the Delaware where he resided in the Mercer/Bucks County area for most of his life. After a brief 1997 residence in Santa Fe, NM, Josh relocated to the high desert art mecca in 2006 to continue his art pursuits. Josh credits his artistic progression due to studying art, networking, prolific vendor presence and internet marketing. As a vendor at the Santa Fe Artists Market in the downtown New Mexican capitol, collectors as far as Australia were buying his landscapes and animal portraits.
"I sell mostly small originals because I paint on location (plein-air painting) and people seem to enjoy my expressive paintings. I feel very connected to the subjects I’m portraying." Josh adds, "I do have some larger works, and I’m starting to advertise for portrait commissions. I want my original work to remain affordable to the masses. Selling my art to clients who love my work never gets old, and it’s a win-win for everyone."
Josh’s life and career changed rapidly after his art gallery job in Santa Fe was terminated in 2008, due to economic conditions. Josh was at a crossroads-he became a full-time artist by default (and choice). He adds, "I didn’t know when I’ll have this opportunity again, so I was given the gift of time and wanted to take my art and career to the next level. It was time to take a big chance." Josh also became a muralist three days after being laid off. Thanks to advertising on Craig’s List, he received several mural opportunities. The first was a landscape mural in a private Santa Fe courtyard, the second was on a mini-school bus in Southern New Mexico with other artists. These murals are on the artist’s website.
Josh will continue living (and painting) in New Mexico after the festival has ended. Though emotional about returning, Josh thinks the experience will be rewarding. "I felt like coming back to New Hope for a show is like a final exam, I have prepared the past 4 years of my life for this moment. My life has changed so much in a short amount of time. This (New Hope/Lambertville) area of the country is one of the most beautiful and magical places on earth. I hope everyone comes and supports these artists at this festival. Some will even do demos, including myself. And I’ll try to get some painting done while I’m in town too. I always need to paint, it’s in my blood."
This highly prolific art show will take place in downtown New Hope on Sat. Sept 25, 10-6pm & Sun. Sept 26, 10-5pm. Over 130 artists will participate. Over 15,000 visitors attended in 2009. New Hope is one of the top 5 small town destinations for the arts in the country. Further details can be found on the official show website at www.newhopechamber.com or call (215) 862-9990. To see more of Joshua Lance’s art, visit his website at www.joshualance.com
About Joshua Lance:
Joshua Lance is a landscape and portrait artist located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Josh uses oil and acrylics to express his desire to "capture the raw and gritty essence of a subject". Since 1991, Josh’s commitment to artistic expression has led to over 30 solo and group exhibitions in New York City area, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Southwest. His work is collected throughout the United States and Australia. For more information regarding Joshua’s work, blog and book, go to www.joshualance.com.

