Nature inspired – then the subject matter takes on a life of its own.
That’s how I like to think of my painting process – I just have to figure out the colors and shapes needed to convey its message.
Painting loose and splashy, I let the watercolors do their own organic, wet thing to create the watercolor magic – especially when painting “en plein air” (in the open air). Other times, my painting is more controlled, or even abstract using water soluble pastels or acrylics. It really depends on the subject and how I can best get to know it. After painting a subject, I feel like we have a relationship. I can never pass by that same type of tree, fence or iguana without remembering and relating to it. One of my favorite things in life is finishing a painting, signing it and hanging it up – such a great feeling, yet I procrastinate beginning a new one!
Coming from a family of artists, I studied art and science in college. Science won out as a career choice but art is now my rewarding retirement career. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed studying under northern California artists Juan Pena and Sondra Hersh.
Recently retired, my husband and I traveled around the United States in our Airstream trailer. After enjoying painting, hiking and meeting new people everywhere, we decided Sedona was the place to put down new roots.
