About
“My favorite time is exploring and trying new things in the studio”.
I am a born and raised “Jersey Girl” who has had a lifelong passion for art. An early introduction to watercolor with a local artist as a teenager, I have kept my hand in painting and creating ever since in one way or another. After working in Computer Science, and sending my kids off to college, I decided to follow my heart and turn art from a hobby into a career around 2012.
I am a self-taught artist; inspired by the books that I copiously read and the workshops that I attend.
My most influential workshop instructors were John Salminen, Mark Mehaffey, and Stephen Quiller. I have gained bits of knowledge from each instructor or book, turning those tidbits into my own interpretation of painting with watercolor.
I love trying out new ideas and enjoy discovering new techniques. Many times, various everyday objects will be used to create an unusual texture or passage, resulting in something that I could not have achieved by using my brush alone. When using these found objects, the marks left behind have a random quality and add more interest to the painting.
Many times my paintings will begin with an abstract base with no preconceived idea in mind. After my initial splashing and spattering has dried, I proceed to analyze it, turning the paper around until a subject pops into mind. Work then begins to develop my intended subject, revealing it bit by bit, almost like a sculptor. Wiping away color, adding a different color, or creating different textures, all contribute to getting my idea across. This method helps keep my work exciting, fresh and full of energy. I have found that Yupo paper keeps my attention and broadens my creativity. There is never a dull moment when working on Yupo; it presents many challenges but also provides great rewards.
I enjoy sharing my discoveries and techniques with other artists, hopefully inspiring them to try something in a different way.