It is important for me to create a painting which is interesting both up close and further away in order to engage the imagination. Inspiration is something which is honest to me and something which I believe makes a universal connection.
Oil Painter
Painting on location at Los Gatos Plein Air, California, 2019.
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 creating a whole.
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. Beaches, cities, mountains, farms, rivers, deserts, docks trigger my imagination.
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 hold a Certificate in World Art from the Smithsonian Associate Program in Washington, DC and continue to take advantage of the art history courses the Smithsonian offers.
Professional Artist
As a full-time artist I teach classes and workshops, offer demonstrations and artist talks to the public, and jury shows.
Still life demo via Zoom, 2020.
I have received numerous honors, awards, and professional accolades. I sell my work in multiple galleries and events. My paintings are internationally collected.
I hold Signature Membership Status in the American Impressionist Society, the American Society of Marine Artists, and the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association.
I am a juried artist in the Oil Painters of America, the Salmagundi Club, and the Washington Society of Landscape Painters..
Other memberships which I maintain include the Art League of Alexandria in Virginia 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.
Discussing Award for Best Use of Light, Mountain Maryland, 2017.
