I was fortunate to be born and raised in the great city of Chicago, where art, music, diverse cultures and education were readily available for me. I have been making art since I was a child. I studied art and art history at Washington University in St. Louis. I received my MFA from the school of the Art Institute in Chicago. I went on to further my study of portraiture and figure painting at the American Academy of Art. When I needed extra mentoring there was always the support of an experienced art community. Even now I enjoy workshops that introduce me to new concepts, new materials and add to my skill set. 

My Art 

My greatest inspiration comes from the natural world that surrounds me. Wildlife in its natural habitat is one of my favorite subjects to paint. For the past eleven years my husband and I have lived and worked in northern Utah on a ranch teaming with migrating elk, moose, deer, birds, and resident small mammals. Another extraordinary resource for me is Big Sky, Montana, and nearby Yellowstone National Park. We have presently moved to San Diego to be closer to family. In this extraordinary environment I am surrounded by beautiful gardens of roses, extraterrestrial appearing succulents, sunbathed Pacific beaches, and unique ecosystems. Lots to paint! 

As you will see in one of my galleries, I am creating a series of paintings documenting the generations of wildlife that migrate into Wolf Creek Ranch from the adjacent national forest every year. In the West, and Southwest wildlife and humans live with the constant threat of wildfires and the stress from climate change. I feel compelled to try to capture the spirit of these animals in their beautiful but impermanent environments. 

My subject matter is diverse, and my imagination contributes heavily to the final product. I take liberal artistic license when in front of the canvas! I like to freely explore size, scale, and color. Often, I place my subject or characters in unlikely locations or situations. Sometimes Nature simply reveals her magnificence and as a witness I can only attempt to paint her perfection-no imagination required! 

My art business has been designated as a "Trusted Art Seller" with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that I stand behind the quality and value of my products.