I love the way creating art encourages me to see-- the color of light, the shape of a shadow, where reflections have traveled. Then I get lost in the process by simplifying shapes and challenging myself to use a color that might not be the one I see but it's the one the artwork needs. By constantly looking for inspiration and experimenting with new techniques my work stays fresh.

 

The style of my paintings ranges from impressionistic to more abstract. In the studio I work mostly from photographs that I've taken on my travels. While landscapes comprise a good portion of my portfolio, I also enjoy painting portraits and figurative works. 

 

A few years ago, I started experimenting with intricate paper collage. My first works used paper from magazines. I loved the effect, but I changed to painting my own papers so that the finished pieces are archival. Lately, I've been experimenting with adding collage elements to acrylic paintings.

​

Interacting with other creatives both inspires me and pushes me to be a better artist.

I am an active member of Athena Art Society in Toledo, Ohio, and Black Swamp Art Guild (BSAG) based in Williams County, Ohio. I am also a member of Toledo Federation of Art Societies (TFAS).

 

I am most honored to have received two Best of Show awards: All to Ourselves in the 2023 TFAS Juried Members Exclusive Exhibition and Meeting Lola in the 2022 BSAG Fall Show. I received my first monetary award for Misty Oregon Morning at the Wassenberg Art Center's Annual June Juried Art Exhibit 2019 and in 2022 All to Ourselves won another large prize there. Sand & Surf, California Dreamin'  and Rain on Navy Pier all have won the People's Choice Award in BSAG Annual Fall Shows. Several 1st place ribbons have also been bestowed on me from BSAG shows. I am honored to have artwork accepted into numerous juried shows over the past several years.

​

As a creative person, I always knew I wanted to try my hand at painting, but I didn't take the plunge until I became an empty-nester 15 years ago. My creative history was originally in fiber arts. While I have taken several college art classes and painting workshops, I am predominantly self-taught.

​

My art journey has enriched my life. I work hard at producing the very best artwork I possibly can. I can't wait to see where it will lead me next.