Biography

My paintings begin with a leap of the heart and the imagination. The mediums of watercolor and liquid acrylics are my choice because I like to pour and layer on wet pigments or do consecutive buildups of glazes on surfaces textured with gels and oriental papers. I wait for images and meanings to emerge.

My art studio/gallery looks out on an apple orchard with views of vineyards and mountains. Life in this beautiful Russian River country is a daily visual feast and contemplative setting, one which enhances the desire to paint. My daily practice of meditation has a profound influence on my art. I have also developed a practice of contemplative sketchbooking, which allows the inner voice to speak through color, image and word.

For the past twelve years I have taught classes and workshops in water media painting techniques, ketchbooking and creative expression. My paintings have been shown in one-person and group shows throughout the country and annually at ARTrails, a juried open studio tour. I am a published children's book illustrator, The Great Hiss, 2002. Commissions include three years as Sonoma County Harvest Fair poster artist, a featured painting for the Commonwealth Financial Network, and the design and painting of a Charlie Brown staute. I have a custom pet portrait business and popular art and sketchbook blog.