I have had the wonderful opportunity to live in many places. I was born in Flint, MI, grew up in Doylestown, PA, and went to college outside Pittsburgh. I landed my first job in Cleveland, Ohio but hated the winters so I moved to Washington, DC. In DC, I met my wonderful husband who happens to be from Ecuador. We moved to Miami, Florida and raised our two daughters there for 12 years. We often spent our summers in Ecuador. In 2008, we moved to London, England for 4 years and herefrom, I was able to travel all over the world. I now live in Minnesota and have grown to love the winters.
I have drawn and painted since I can remember. In high school and college, I took as many fine arts classes as I could. In college, my strong willed father convinced me I could not live on an artist income. Therefore I graduated with a BS in Computer Science. Over the years, I have taken graphic and animation courses.
So when did I specifically learn to paint in watercolors?
I met my mentor, Kay White, in Washington DC. She studied under a well-known and great teacher, Edgar Whitney. She taught me to paint and to also teach. I have been painting in watercolor for at least 40 years now.
I use only the white of the paper for a white no gauche. I believe in following the traditional creative process, geometric design, academic sketch, value sketch, color science, small work up and then final painting. Sometimes I get excited and take short cuts with the process but more often it doesn’t turn out.
I don’t like to define every detail. I like to reflect the mood. In terms of style I am most like the impressionist painters.
I want to paint things that bring happy memories for me. I like to feel good when I paint and when I look at my paintings. I believe every person is on their own personal journey and so often time it can be difficult. So I like to reflect on the things that make me feel good. Call it my Viagra.
I am a member or the Member Minnesota Watercolor Society and NorthStar Watermedia Society and have been accepted in several shows.
