ARTIST BIO:
I am a native of the Northwest, the mountains, valleys, nooks and crannies.  I love the outdoors and spend much of my time in the woods, a garden or tending livestock.  This has shaped my life with a yen to paint what I have been living.
I have a degree in advertising from Spokane Community College and I soon found I had a skill to portray people.  That took me on the road for a 15 year adventure at art shows all over the Northwest drawing and painting portraits.  I exhibited and sold many landscapes, western art and also did quite a lot of humorous illustrations.  In a lot of years there has been the chance to explore my skills and the market with variety.
In 1985 I began teaching.  I’ve taught art for the City Parks and Rec at Corbin Art Center and then for the Community Colleges of Spokane for the Act2 Program for 26 years.  I find teaching and sharing art very fulfilling.
For many years I coordinated a Plein Air Group and scouted some awesome sights to paint. There were about 12 - 20 artists that participated then.  I illustrated for WHCA, which is the Washington Health Care Association, based in Olympia.  I did their promotions, calendars, Christmas cards and spot art for 15 years.

ARTIST STATEMENT:
Painting gives me peace, a challenge and fulfillment.  What I choose to paint is very representative of who I am and also where I live.  I love to paint scenes from our ranch and our Northwest area from the many photos I take and Plein Air.  I also like to paint people.  I always try to be ready with a pencil in hand or my colors fresh on a palette to express what I see around me.  Because I paint in many mediums I like to say I paint in “color” when asked my favorite.