Valle del Sur Art Guild
South San Jose, Morgan Hill, San Martin & Gilroy California
Born in Bexar County Texas. Grew up in Pennsylvania and enjoyed early art training at Carnegie Museum, and Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. BA Ohio State, MA University of Texas at Austin.
A long-time resident of California, I have also lived in Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Greece and Germany.
Careers have included Motherhood, Artist, Art Historian, Archaeologist, Lychnologist, CAD Designer, Software Quality Assurance Manager and (currently) Technical Writer for a graphics IP company.
Artist Statement
I paint California landscapes done Plein Air. The majority of my paintings are done out-of-doors and on-site so that I can see and absorb the small details that photographs fail to depict but that do so much to capture the sense of place. I paint on gessoed masonite panels using a palette knife. To ensure that I capture a spontaneous and highly textured image, I work quickly and finish the first underpainting in one sitting. The majestic scenery of the California landscape and the beauty of its ever changing light provide me with endless subject matter. The shimmer of sunlight and nuances of fog and shadow that constantly shift throughout the day can reflect short but magical moments. As the light changes by the hour, it is always a challenge to embody in paint that unique feeling that best reflects a special location and time.