As a child, I loved to paint and draw. This interest has led to a 25-year career as an art teacher in public and private high schools and as an art therapist in the health field. I graduated with degrees from Northridge State University and United States International University. Now retired, I enjoy spending time devoted to art expression.
Observing the seasons change in rural Connecticut as a child created a love of nature in all forms. Remembering the colors of springtime, new growth, and shiny wet leaves after a rain generates the inspiration for the challenges of watercolor and fluid free shapes. Summers with vibrant colors and textures inspire a passion to layer paint as I recall the earth being churned up by tractors harvesting nature’s abundance. As wind blows leaves of brilliant color in the fall, I see contour and angles as they land in heaps around the barn. Winter’s shadows and moods create subtle color changes and form magical patterns in the snow.
I enjoy exploring a variety of media including printmaking, ceramics, and stained glass. In the last three years, however, I have focused primarily on working in watercolor, pastels and oils. It is not so much the subject, as the desire to create an interesting effect and mood. I enjoy experimenting with a variety of techniques and lighting that allows me a vehicle in which to create a visual experience for viewers. Nature provides a never-ending palette from which to draw inspiration.
I am active in Mountain Artists’ Guild and Prescott Valley Art Guild. I have won awards and exhibited my work in the Los Angeles Art Museum, Del Mar Fair, Yavapai College Art Gallery, Prescott Fine Arts Gallery, and The World Arts Festival. Some of my artwork has been published in art books. My work hangs in private collections in several states around the country and in local businesses.
William Turner’s work has been a great influence. Taking workshops by talented artists, both local and out of state, has expanded my interest in painting and I am eternally grateful to all who have supported my creative efforts.