Vision and Purpose To illuminate the spirit through my art and attitude I live in the Sierras between Sacramento and Tahoe with my husband, Chuck and our golden retriever, Rocky on 5 beautiful "mountain top" acres. I have been inspired to draw, study and paint all of my life with the never ending focus on the play of light on living creatures, whether they be trees, rocks, or breathing beings. (Yes, I live in California and am kind of a hippy, jock, tree hugger) I was asked once why I paint by a well known plein air painter. I told him quickly, "It's me, it's what I do" Well, later that same day as I headed out to paint, I realized that when I paint I get to become very intimate with my subject. I see it/them for what they really are. Light. Color, Radiance. I'm brought to tears every time. That's why I paint. To share that. To show that. To live that. Wow. Here I go again...tearing up. Style & Method: I choose to live as an oil painter. I have always used oils and find they lend themselves to the luminosity and depth I NEED to show in my work. Living creatures are so full of bounced light, it is a never ending challenge to put that in my paintings. My style is basically realistic though I love a juicy plein air now and then. My quest is to show my subjects in a way that causes to viewer to stop and take notice. To appreciate the power, gentleness, whatever that is unique to that animal or person or location. I've been told that my work has a certain radiance that transcends the canvas. Good. That's the point. Education: For the first 25 years of my adult life I was an active, fun, busy mom of two real sport active kids. Once grown and gone from our home I started on my journey through many classes and educational forums to develop myself as a professional artist. Memberships & Associations Shows,Awards, Publications: Wildscapes Magazine June 08, article and cover award |