Painting representational images is the most rewarding aspect of my life. Whether it is a magnificent flower, resting wooden boat, fresh fruit, powerful ocean, snowcapped mountain or one of life’s quiet scenes, I want to draw viewer into the image for a closer look and contemplation. Upon entering my painting surface the image begins to break down into masses of shapes and colors with a conscientious use of color wheel opposites. My use of acrylic paints allows the most vibrant of colors to emerge, maintaining the high saturation level that I desire while maintaining color-fastness. Color is reflected back through numerous layer of washes to create the blend in the eye. Oil paint points me toward looser images, still using a high saturation level.

While director of an art gallery in Lancaster, Pennsylvania I came face to face with Leukemia in 1983; no cure and a short time to make some major decisions about what I would still like to do. At the top of my list was learning to paint. I asked two of the gallery artists if they would take me on as a student. Michael Heberlein was my first instructor. David Brumbaugh would contribute to the critiques and soon I was sent to work in my own studio, entered a juried show immediately and was accepted. A passion for painting has remained with me throughout life’s journey and I feel that having much to say with a paintbrush helped me fight and overcome my battle with cancer, receiving a clean bill of health in 2005.

In 1997 I went back to Michigan State University, changed my major to painting, graduated in 2000 and set out across the United States in search of the perfect painting venue. Port Townsend and Seattle Washington introduced me to wooden boats in New England, then on to Sarasota with it’s lush tropical foliage and beach areas. After settling in Phoenix for several years I started painting full time in 2004, which gave me more time to explore new painting opportunities. Currently I am in the Chicago area with wooden boats all around me in the Great Lakes.

I have been honored to be a part of Gallery Exhibits and one woman shows across the country including Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, California, Alaska, Washington, Massachusetts, Maine, Florida, Arizona and Oregon.

Special commissions can be prepared just for you. Working from your photographs I will paint a singular work or art.