Artist Statement
I have been an artist for most of my life. It was what I always wanted to be, even as a child. As an adult, drawing was a natural part of my life. Eventually, I became an art teacher, hoping to guide and inspire young folks to discover and develop their own creative voices. I still continue to study and learn by taking classes and workshops with master artists . Since retiring in 2009, I spend my time painting, mostly in my studio these days. I work mainly in soft pastel and occasionally in oil. I am constantly inspired by the world around me and work mostly from life whether plein air (outdoors) or in my studio. I am inspired and fascinated by the beauty of how light transforms an object, a tree, a hillside, or a face. I am drawn in and just have to paint it.
As I look around my house at my paintings I realize that the ones that mean the most to me are those that include a memory, either of a time, a place, or a person. For example, one still life has two of my grandmother’s hats and a rose (her name was Rose). Every time I look at that painting I think of her - it speaks to my heart. I would love to be able to do that for other people, as well. If you have an object (or several) that have special meaning to you, I would be happy to create a painting that includes them or is about them. Please call, email, or make an appointment to see me to discuss and plan your painting.