Although not a native Californian, I grew up in Southern California. My Mother and Father encouraged me to study art.
Drawing was a passion from early childhood, which led to a pursuit of art studies throughout school. My interest in art continued through night classes at a community college and California State University at Long Beach.
In 1965, my life changed due to my becoming a single mother with four children, moving to Sacramento and mandatory employment. The preceding circumstances and subsequent remarriage interrupted my ability to pursue my interest in art, but not my passion for it, until retirement in 1995.
I began studying at the School of Light & Color in 1995 to 2002 with master colorist, Susan Sarback, M.A. She teaches how to paint like the impressionists with painting knifes instead of brushes. Additional experience and training was obtained by studying with Bob Gerbracht, M.A., U.C.S.C. and Foster Caddell, P.S.A. I was a founding member of Chroma Gallery, an artist co-op owned gallery in Fair Oaks, California, a suburb of Sacramento. I am a past-member of Old Town Art Gallery in Eureka.
My style is Impressionistic Realism. I strive to use the full spectrum of color in my oil painting style. My use of color and light allows one to see the color and light in a different way and makes my paintings more vivid. This approach results, I think, in my paintings appearing more realistic.
My goal is to create beautiful paintings that reflect a part of my character and nature and that inspire in others a love for the wonderful world around us. I paint things that remind me of pleasant times or pleasures of the outdoors. I like plein air painting for I enjoy being outside in nature.
I have participated in the art community wherever I’ve been, by exhibiting in the Auburn California Art Walk, the KVIE art auction in Sacramento in 2000 and 2001, the Sacramento Salmon Festival from 2000 through 2003 and the Gallery One Art Show in Auburn, California in which I won 2nd place, as judged by wild life artist Martin Betten.
Since relocating to the north coast, I have from time to time exhibited work with the Redwood Art Association, Morris Graves Museum, the Trinidad Art Gallery, the Eatery and Gallery, a popular local restaurant in Trinidad, and various other businesses.
My favorite subjects are landscapes, seascapes and animals. I also paint other subjects upon request. So if you don’t see anything you like now, come back and visit at a later date. I will be adding new images as time goes by. If you would like to enquire about a painting or just to ask a question, please use my Contact Form.