Artist’s Statement

My formative landscape influences are from Cleveland, where I grew up.  A steel city on the north coast, Cleveland is not without renowned art and cultural influences. I was inspired at an early age to pursue the lifelong practice of developing my creative talent. It was a postcard of California’s Monterey coast from my father that led me west when I was eighteen. I couldn’t believe those colors were actually real!

I have since celebrated the dramatic hues from the high altitude sun to the deep river canyons while living in New Mexico, California, Arizona, and Colorado, and while traveling throughout the great western United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. I always bring home a sense of place when I recreate a moment in time through my art. I pay homage to my late parents, both gifted artists. They reminded me of the magic that can be found everywhere and inspired me to appreciate every moment and look forward to every day. I am intuitively inspired by the infinite colors, textures, and forms that I convey in my artwork as a permanent reminder of my impression of that miracle.

In my early career, I was a commercial artist and technical illustrator in Silicon valley. I went on to work in stained glass, teaching elementary art, and finally painting. I also enjoyed painting murals and multi facets of interior design.

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. I have studied with masters of color, including David Barbero and Tom Owen. My unique style has earned numerous exhibits, commissions, and awards.

My Style and Themes

While inspiration is found in contemporary life, I often look to sources that reflect the values we share with our ancestors. These subjects, drawn on relics of Native American, French, Italian, and Ancient Greek art and architecture, influence my design and color palette. The warm ochres and siennas in “Spirit of Pompeii” bear witness to a highly developed civilization and the forces of nature that both destroyed and preseved the site in an instant. Symbolism in my collages inspired by Native American artifacts portray the timeless sense of the human spirit and its imprint on future generations. My work evokes a moving testament to the amazing power of Mother Nature. A synthesis of both ancient and modern sensibilities.

Inspiration and Interests

Studying Historic Art & Architecture in the U.S. & Europe: Petroglyphs, Ruins, Missions & Duomos, Churches & Spiritual Pilgrimage sites. Philosophy, Theology, Poetry, Sociology.

Natural land & sea formations & diverse geology, for Line, Shape, Color & Texture.

I love “the big view” outdoors…Our National Parks, gardens, the beach, swimming, sailing, hiking, biking, alpine skiing & horseback riding. I travel for fresh inspiration and new subject matter to paint. Museums & art exhibit openings are always on my calendar as well as my daughter’s horse shows.

I enjoy a glass of wine with friends…cooking, entertaining, wine tasting. I love lots of music.

I love animals: horses, pound puppies, cats, etc… (pictured is the very sociable art lover, Isabelle. She mainly loves just watching me create it…)

I am on the Board of Directors of Commonworks, a nonprofit organization providing housing, employment & services to disabled adults & teens, foster & adoption services, etc. with sites throughout Colorado.