I believe that the gift of creativity comes from the Great Creator and we all have access to that wonderful resource. I find such joy in being able to connect with that source and hope that spiritual element is evident in my work.

It’s important to me that a painting has energy, vibrance and life. My usual methods of working emphasize design and fluid, moving, juicy color. I’d like to think that my paintings are about more than a stroke-by-stroke depiction of subject and that they help the viewer connect emotionally with the work.

My most profound inspiration is still found in the beautiful rivers and lakes of the north woods or in my garden. Many hours are spent in the studio working to interpret those scenes that have left their impression on my memory. The process of painting is very meditative and spiritual for me, but I also love the opportunity to encourage and teach other artists with whom I share this creative journey. I’ve been painting for over 20 years and teaching for 10.

Recently, I’ve been working in abstraction and collage as well as my original “loosely realistic” style and experimenting in other watermedia including acrylics on paper and canvas, gouache, Caran d’ache and watercolor pencil. I enjoy the exploratory nature of working this way. It gets the artistic adrenalin moving.

Alhough I worked at several day jobs over the years such as legal secretary, university secretary, medical/dental transcriptionist, and even greenhouse helper and floral designer, I always found some way to fit art into my life as well. I found that each new work experience brought something new to my latent creativity and with the encouragement and support of my wonderful family I feel very blessed to be “living the dream.” When my children were flown from the nest, I embarked on painting full time, took classes and was accepted into a few respected galleries. I began entering shows, won some awards and eventually rented a little studio and began teaching at local and regional art centers. I worked with interior designers in a furniture and design business and traveled to their stores in several states painting murals and background sets for their furniture displays. I also have enjoyed the opportunity to speak to many art groups and organizations about this exciting adventure of painting.

Since building a new studio in 2005, I’ve taught classes and workshops out of my home studio but continue to travel and teach workshops as well. I’ve sold over 300 paintings to clients both in the U.S. and abroad. I’m so thrilled to be able to continue to work with several wonderful galleries and exhibit often in solo and group shows.