JoAnn Clayton is a colorist who applies many layers of acrylic paint to achieve richness and depth in her paintings. She has exhibited widely internationally as well as nationally. She studied painting at the Corcoran School of Art and Design with Sam Gilliam, at the Yellow Barn Studio with Helen Corning and Walt Bartman, at ArtWorks in Reston with Brenda Belfield, and with many of the talented artists at the Art League. She holds a MA from George Washington University.

Many, vastly varied pursuits have contributed to the depth of feeling she brings to her work. From having lived in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and India and volunteering, for example, in leprosy clinics and developing country villages, to serving seven years as Director of the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the US National Research Council/National Academy of Sciences, she draws on life's experiences for inspiration.

Her works range in price from $250 for miniatures to $3500.