About the Artist

Sharing my joy

Artist’s Statement

As a child, I avoided coloring books—I always wanted to make my own creations. I loved to draw and paint, and in high school I designed and sewed my own clothes. Throughout my life when I encountered a "breath catching" scene whether in nature, a sparkling city, or something just around the corner that caught my attention, I day dreamed about how I would paint it. 

Like many who returned to study art later in life, I initially followed a more “practical” career path, but my desire to paint never went away; it quietly waited its turn. Now mostly retired, I am learning to make my painting day dreams a come to life. As my ability to see like an artist develops I am learning not to attempt to record every detail--rather to translate light into mood—through color relationships, edges, and simplified shapes. I began painting in the studio, and I now also paint en plein air. I love being outside experiencing the world and seeing the effect of light in real time as I paint. 

I love painting a variety of subjects--landscapes, city scapes, still life, portraits, interiors.  I’m energized by challenge, learning, and problem-solving, and I’m excited to keep growing—and to share the work as it evolves.

Education and Work History

I earned my BA (University of Massachusetts, Amherst), MA (Washington State University, Pullman), and PhD (University of Wisconsin–Madison), all in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

I had a very fulfilling career in speech-language pathology, supporting children and adults with speech and language disorders as they worked toward developing or regaining their communicative potential. Working primarily in academia, I also taught thousands of students and helped them launch their own careers. I’m thankful for the opportunities I've had to experience living and working in the western, midwestern, and eastern United States. 

Art Education

I’m self-taught and have benefited greatly and gratefully from the wealth of paid and free art instruction available online. I began in acrylics, but after studying painters whose work I admire, I switched to oils and haven’t looked back. I also dabble in watercolor and gouache, mostly for studies.

I subscribe to and regularly learn from online instruction with Christine Lashley (Art Class), Aimee Erickson (Skool), and Lori Putnam (LoriPutnamOnline). I’ve also been fortunate to attend in-person multi-day workshops with Michele Usibelli, Christine Lashley, Kyle Buckland, and Lori Putnam and online line workshops from Ian Roberts (Mastering Composition) and Anne Blair Brown.