Biography - Before retiring in Olympia in 2019, I had a long and multifaceted career as a physical therapist, PT assistant professor, professional opera singer and opera company Executive Director, and as a volunteer art appreciation teacher and coordinator of "Art Smart" in Florida and Texas at my children's elementary schools. Born and raised in the South (Florida and Georgia), I lived all over the US and Germany before moving to southern Oregon in 1999.
Artist Statement - Throughout my life, art has been a constant from drawing, ceramics, dancing, choreography, singing (rock, spiritual, and classical), sewing, needlework, interior and graphic design, acrylic painting, and growing and creating beautiful flower arrangements. During COVID lockdown, I became passionate about watercolor, completing multiple intensive watercolor schools, academies, and courses. I continues to study with master artists with varied approaches to realistic painting. My art influences include current and former teachers Chris Lyons, Tracy Lizotte, Krysztof Kowalski, and Bradley Hendershot of the Brandywine School, in addition to classic artists Andrew Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, Francois Millet, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
My creative journey has been shaped by my diverse life experiences. My watercolors are infused with a strong design and realism. Living on beautiful Puget Sound enables me to draw inspiration from the ever-changing water, wildlife, and majestic landscapes. My art captures the essence of my surroundings and invites the viewer on a journey of discovery experiencing my unique perspective on the world. I love meeting art lovers and explaining the inspiration and story behind my paintings and hope that my paintings bring people as much joy as they did for me when I lovingly created and painted them.
Affiliations - I’m a member of the Olympia Art League, Northwest Watercolor Society, and the Puget Sound Group of Northwest Artists.
Honors - My first Art Competition entry “Puffins on the Edge” won 3rd place at the 2024 juried Thurston County Fair Art Show Watercolor Division. My painting “Midwinter Morning” is in the Power of Color Juried Art Show and Exhibit at the Fogue Studios and Gallery in Seattle from April 5 to May 25. I was accepted into the Juried Bellevue Art Museum Summer Arts Fair July 25-27, 2025, the largest in the Pacific Northwest.
