It is important for me to create a painting which is interesting both up close and further away in order to engage the imagination. I am strongly influenced by the visual world around me. Elements which spark my creativity include old farm buildings, city streets, the gesture of a person, the color of flowers, open vistas, blue mountains, quiet rivers, or the crashing of waves.
Oil Painter
Color, composition, and paint handling are key elements in my paintings and tools for my expression. The fluidity and flexibility of oil paint is well-suited to my creative process. When I paint I connect with changing light, the color of my surroundings, and movement. I focus on abstract shapes and forms which weave together a whole painting.
Landscape and the Outdoors
I grew up along the Pacific Ocean in California and have painted as long as I can remember. I attribute my love of the outdoors and different places to childhood days at the beach, summer backpacking and camping trips, living in India when I was 10 years old, and miles of traveling. Both new and familiar landscapes inspire me.
My love of art has been my life.
I was influenced by the art of my mom who painted the California landscape and encouraged my interest in art by setting up my toddler easel outdoors, enrolling me in art classes, giving me personal instruction, and purchasing art supplies for me. I developed a love for books early and spent hours pouring over the “Art for Children” books by Ernest Lloyd Raboff, especially Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee.
As my own children were growing up, I taught part-time at their school, heading up the Art Summer Camp and Extended Day Art Program. I learned much about the joy of learning and exploring while teaching children. My fascination with learning about art and art history led my to obtain a Certificate in World Art from the Smithsonian Associate Program in Washington, DC.
Professional Artist
As a full-time artist I teach classes, workshops, and mentor students. I enjoy engaging in demonstrations, public art talks, and jurying shows.
As Judge of Awards, Lynn Mehta explains her selection of a winning painting.
Throughout my career, I have been the recipient of numerous honors and awards. My artwork can be found in public and private collections, the galleries that represent me, and national juried exhibitions.
Signature Membership Status I have achieved includes the American Impressionist Society and the American Society of Marine Artists.
I am a juried artist in the Oil Painters of America, the Salmagundi Club, and the Washington Society of Landscape Painters.
Local organizations I belong to include the Art League of Alexandria in Virginia, Loudon Sketch Club, and the Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis
Media highlights include a 5-page Artist Article in the well circulated Plein Air Magazine, an Artist Profile in Washington, DC’s Hill Rag and I am one of the artists of the 100 Plein Air Painters of the Mid-Atlantic.
To view my resume click here.
