Oils

"It began in the third grade. I loved ice-skating and was thrilled when I received a new pair of figure skates for Christmas and could retire my brother's old hockey skates. I broke my leg the first day. In school I couldn't go out to play for recess so the teacher gave me some colored chalk and allowed me to "draw" on the blackboard. And standing awkwardly on my cast, I began my love of the creative process."

My art background includes degrees from Northeastern Illinois University and the Colorado Institute of Art. I taught Art in public and private schools in the US and in Brazil. I am grateful to have studied with wonderful mentors including Charles Sovek, Gerald Merfeld, Chen Kee Chee, and Yolanta Rujner of Brazil. Additionally, I worked in the field of commercial design.

Happily, today my artistic endeavors are devoted to the Fine Arts. I paint what I love: the Colorado landscape, the places I travel, villages in Europe, South America, and Mexico. My passion is painting outdoors en plein air. For me, painting is a means to the end of being outdoors. The scene in front of me presents an idea; I paint that idea using the shapes and colors according to my artistic and emotional vision. My work - in oil, acrylic and watercolor - is exhibited regularly in galleries and regional exhibits.

You can see my paintings at the Arts At Denver Gallery, Denver, the Meerdink Gallery, Ouray, and the Oakley Gallery, Grand Junction.

I have gained signature status in the Western CO National Watercolor Society and the Plein Air Artists CO. I am a member of the "Outsiders," a west-slope group with whom I travel, paint, exhibit and hang out.

Recent Awards

The Helen Waltrous Award, 1st Place, Rocky Mountain Nat'l Watercolor Society, 2009, Golden, CO.

Best of Show, The Western CO Nat'l Watercolor Society Plein Air Exhibit, 2010, Hotchkiss, CO.

Artists Choice Award, Plein Air Painters CO, 2005, 2009, Denver, CO.

Best of Show, Quick Draw, and 2nd Place, CO Mountain Plein Air FestivaL, 2008, Salida, CO.

My painting, "Labor of Love" was chosen to represent Colorado Mountain Winefest, 2009.

"Artist in Residence" for Spring, 2011, at the Western CO Botanical Garden. Exhibition of on-site works in July and August.