I can remember so vividly my first experience with paint! I was five years old. I can even remember how the paper smelled! We were told to paint only on one half of the paper and then fold it in half. When I unfolded my little masterpiece I was astonished! I was also hooked. I remember thinking " If this is what they do at school I'm going to come here every day!"
I have been drawing and painting ever since! I first began using pastels as a teen after I received a box of Rembrandt pastels from a very kind and creative aunt. I have worked in oils and acrylics as well but pastel is the medium I am most drawn to. I went on to major in Fine Art in College but did not get much exposure to pastel there. Over the years I have had the privilege to study and work with some very talented pastel artists and I am very grateful for their mentoring. My favorite subjects are people, especially children. I also enjoy landscapes and seascapes. I get my inspiration from the beautiful world around me. I enjoy the vibrant colors and the textures that are possible with pastel. I also love the way I can build layers of color to get just the right effect.
I am a member and past vice president of the Southwest Florida Pastel Society. I coordinated their first ever online national pastel competition and I continue to coordinate local shows. I teach workshops and classes in drawing and Pastel at local art centers. I have exhibited in multiple local regional and national competitions, and have won many awards. I currently exhibit at the Coco art galleries and have been an integral part of the gallery team. I have participated as a juror, online show coordinator, curating, and hanging shows and assisting with monthly receiving tasks at the Gallery. Coco is a co-op gallery so all of the artists help to make things run smoothly. It is a privilege to be one of them!