It is important to me that my paintings captivate the imagination both up close and from a distance. I draw inspiration from the world around me, finding beauty in the everyday and the extraordinary. Elements that spark my creativity include weathered farm buildings, bustling city streets, the gesture of a figure, the vibrant colors of flowers, expansive vistas, blue mountains, quiet rivers, and the crash of waves. My work seeks to transform these moments into visual stories that invite viewers to pause and explore.
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.
In middle school and high school, I took every advanced and honors art class I could fit into my schedule, immersing myself in creativity. That passion eventually led me to San Diego State University, where I earned my art degree. Through all of those years, I explored different techniques, styles, and medium, which helped shape both my skills and my perspective as an artist.
As my children were growing up, I taught part-time at their school, leading the art summer camp and extended day art program. Watching their experience reinforced my focus on the importance of process. Further, teaching children allowed me to rediscover the joy of learning and exploring through their eyes. My fascination with art and art history inspired me to earn a certificate in World Art from the Smithsonian Associate Program in Washington, DC.
Professional Artist
As a full-time artist, I am passionate about sharing my craft through teaching classes, leading workshops, and mentoring students. I enjoy connecting with the art community by offering demonstrations, delivering public art talks, and serving as a juror for exhibitions.
Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and accolades, and my artwork has been featured in public and private collections, represented by galleries, and showcased in national juried exhibitions.
I am proud to hold Signature Membership status with the American Impressionist Society and the American Society of Marine Artists.
Additionally, I am a juried artist in the Oil Painters of America, the Salmagundi Club, and the Washington Society of Landscape Painters.
Locally, I am an active member of the Art League of Alexandria in Virginia, Loudon Sketch Club, and the Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis
My work has been featured in various media outlets, including a 5-page artist profile in Plein Air Magazine, an artist feature in Washington, DC’s Hill Rag and inclusion as one of the 100 Plein Air Painters of the Mid-Atlantic.
To view my resume click here.
