My roots go back to the Midwest, which in my opinion is a wonderful place to raise children. This is where I picked up my strong work ethic and learned to use my imagination and make my own fun. I grew to love the simple things: the rolling hills, the many waterways, the smells and colors of the fall, and the isolation and peace of the north-country, where quiet afternoons of fishing and daydreaming abounded. Many of my dreams as a child have come true for me as an adult. Some of those dreams were to travel the country and see a multitude of sites, meet a broad spectrum of people, and use my creativity.
My love for nature, animals, and people has led me down some very interesting roads. My favorites have been my landscape design business in the Southwest, where color is shocking; caring for and training racehorses and experiencing the life behind the scenes at the racetrack, which was emotional and enlightening; living the invigorating Rocky Mountains lifestyle of the high country of Colorado, where we existed on freshly caught trout and spent days shoveling snow and treating chapped/dry skin, stimulated my imagination; and of course, there were my travels to Mexico, where I experienced the “south of the border” lifestyle that I covet.
My art education stems from classes in artists’ basements, where the evening snacks and newfound friendships were as important to many as the critiques and art lessons. Painting workshops have helped me to use an abundance of color and find my own style. For me, just the smell of the oil paints and the excitement and freedom of using watercolors, and watching the movement and absence of control on the paper is electrifying and has really drawn me into using both of these media. I have been lucky to live in some beautiful parts of the country that have fed my desire to capture the color, feel, and story of each area. Diving has afforded me experience with life under the sea and has moved me to create visions of that other world. Landscaping and travel have taught me to use color as naturally as nature does. As an artist, I believe I see things differently than others. I feel that I see more deeply into the textures, vivid colors, and moods of life. I see a picture in everything -- whether it’s the beach, the rocks and their configurations in the sand, the ocean, the way the waves wash patterns on the shore, the forest of aspens, or the simple study of a stand of trunks. I am known for and proud of my bold use of color and my ability to capture a moment and keep it alive through my art.
My love for animals has led me to paint pet portraits. I love capturing the essence and true personality of these pets in watercolors. Many portraits are done in memory of the friendships and service these wonderful animals have provided over the years. It’s a tribute to their devoted and unconditional love. The heartfelt stories that come from these animal companions and their owners are so motivating and inspirational that painting them is a real joy.
Painting and creating allow me to use the gift I was given, and step into the special moments and memories of others. These recollections possibly include a perfect day playing golf, driving off a favorite tee box, the feeling of freedom a dolphin must experience cutting through the water or air, the sound and movement of the aspens in the wind, and the looks of love and mischief caught on the faces of our four-legged friends. I am the lucky one; the people around me give me the chance to view these special times and live them vicariously by taking their picture or idea and turning it into a painting.
Life is a fabulous gift, but it is too short. I have survived a challenging bout with cancer, and won. I personally learned two things; that from the bad comes the best of blessings and that art must be the focus of my endeavors. I am grateful for all the beauty and love around me and through my paintings, cards, journals, and books I feel full of purpose and know that I’ve captured a bit of life in a piece of art.
