His Writers is a group formed in April 2007 and dedicated to the craft of writing European-based historical novels by members of American Christian Fiction Writers.
JoAnn Swearingen lived for a few years in Iowa, but she is a native Kansan who lives near Newton, KS. She is a member of ACFW Central and the Kansas Writers Association.
She is published in non-fiction--articles for international magazines and one book, You, Too, Can Be A Happy Christian, which is no longer available. She has also worked as an editor and feature writer. JoAnn is both a writer and a professional artist. Her art website is www.joannswearingenfineart.com
JoAnn has two books that are edited and ready for publication, and she is currently seeking an editor/publisher/or agent. One is a suspense; the other a cozy mystery. Both are inspirational. Her cozy mystery, Vanished in Plein Aire, is based on one of JoAnn's paintings and is set in 19th century England. She is working on another contemporary mystery and an historical.
Her interest in art expression began at an early age. In elementary school, she won a prize in an art contest sponsored by a local merchant. As an adult, she worked as a photojournalist and in graphic design where she refined her talent for composition. But she continued to feel a connection to the outdoors, the way rain resembles antique glass; the various hues reflected in landscapes; the wind in the clouds; nature’s changing moods; the interplay of light and shadows. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Wichita State University and taught writing and literature for nine years in community colleges before pursuing painting full time. She specializes in landscape, still life, and portraits of people that tell a story.
Her art captures the beauty and sense of peace found in nature.“Nature can’t be duplicated, but through my paintings, I want to share the beauty I see around us that God has created.”
Her current media is oil, but she has worked extensively in watercolor and plans to 
focus on oil and pastel in the future. Her work is exhibited in galleries and private collections.
She studied for six years with well-known artist Kandy Tate, who now resides in Santa Fe, NM, and with Mary Binford Miller. She has studied or taken workshops with Albert Handell, Anita West, Richard Schmid, Gary Ozias, Jean Chambers, Hugh Greer, Mark Flickinger, Carole Ranney. She studied design, color theory with Clark Britton and Steve Murillo. Paint America Art in the Parks seminar with national artist Susie Hyer.
Her accomplishments include:
- Oil Painters of America Regional Exhibit, South Wind Gallery, Topeka, KS, 2007. Her work was among100 paintings selected from over 600 entries from 16 states, six provinces of Canada, and Mexico.
- Featured artist, KSNW TV3 Wichita Final Friday special, 2007.
- Two-month, one artist show at Moncia’s Bundt Cake Co. gallery; opening and closing receptions, 2007.
- Wichita Lawn and Garden Show, Juror’s Merit Award (First Place), 2006.
- Kansas Academy of Oil Painters Award, 2007.
- ROAR Award, 2007.
- Best of Show and Masters artist in Kansas Art Guild exhibits.
Affiliations: Oil Painters of America, Kansas Art Guild, Kansas Academy of Oil Painters, El Dorado Coutts Museum of Art, Wichita Mead Street Gallery.
