I am a mixed media artist with my life in nature as my muse.  I am heavily influenced by the Pacific Northwest its bodies of water, mountains, topography, skies, and the extreme differences in its ecosystems ranging from rainforests to deserts.   My experiences in these elements are the basis of my work, my inner voice.  While I do not start a painting with a preplanned design, I paint from very deep feelings about a place in time, an experience I have had in nature within my being.  My work is multi layered and I continue working on a piece until the painting begins to speak to me and then and only then, the painting and I are collectively within a rhythm of creation together.  I love making bold marks, making my paintings almost sculptural, using both brushes and found tools to mark make.  I work on canvas, wood, and high-quality paper.  I typically work in series with each piece in the series influencing the other.  I love color, its energy whether it is serene or vibrantly active and continue to explore what impact color can bring to my work.  I find great joy in the completion of a work that encourages the viewer to enter their own world of wonder and appreciation and to witness the light in their eyes when this does happen.

I have painted off and on for about 30 years.  I did both undergraduate art studies at the University of Washington, took many courses and workshops at Pratt Institute, Seattle, WA and studied both in person and remotely under several successful practicing artists.  Until about four years ago, my career and business ownership took precedence over my art practice.  But in 2020, I decided it was my time to make my longtime dream to become a full-time artist real.  During the last four years, I completed three Art2Life 12-week intensive programs in 2021, 2022 and 2023.  I went to Taos, NM, and Ireland to study under a very accomplished artist and I completed multiple Ecourses with various other successful practicing artists.

 In 2021, I officially came out to the closet declaring myself finally as a full time artist.  In 2023, I got my first solo showing which sold three of my largest most expensive paintings the first week, got published in a local newspaper and, the paintings Almost Dusk and Realized Light (both in Gallery B612 Women show) each received an Artistic Excellence award competing with over 600 other artists nationwide.  I also participated successfully in my first Pend Oreille Art Council (POAC) Downtown Artwalk and was jury selected to be in five different group exhibits in local galleries.  I started 2024, selling several paintings, had a painting being featured in an international art magazine, and was selected to be part of a number of group shows in both Seattle and various cities in Idaho.  I also began my studio remodeling and expansion doubling the size of my studio to 800 square feet.  I have recently been honored to be selected by POAC as their 2024 Artist of Year and had a very successful solo show in their new gallery September, 2024.  But most importantly, I am fully following my heart’s desire to commit to an art practice and to paint and paint and paint some more.