Art became important in my life at an early age when I first sketched a portrait of my younger brother…on a furniture piece. During my elementary school days, I looked forward to art projects in class, mostly little drawings. Unbeknownst to me, my dad saved all of them. I learned early on that my parents’ wish for me was a career more aligned with a professional occupation and not art. As a result, I became a Registered Nurse; married and had two wonderful daughters.

However, I yearned for a creative outlet which manifested itself initially in oil painting. Pregnancies caused me to put my paints away, but not before I sent some of my paintings to my dad.  I later had the time to move into floral arrangement for 12 years and also discovered acrylic painting on furniture to be exciting.  My realization point occurred when I took a class from MaryAnn Dixon who taught at a shop in Golden called Julianne’s. It was there that I created a piece which MaryAnn thought had a watercolor element to it.  A few years later, following the encouragement of my sister-in-law Barb Grogan, I started taking classes at Judy Patti’s in Littleton. Color just seemed to blossom in this media with me. I have become acutely aware of the nature of God and His rich palette in the beauty that surrounds me.

I am in awe of the brilliant colors of the flowers that I see and I’m fascinated by their design. I believe my love for gardening has, in part, led me to my passion for florals. Since retiring, I have been fortunate to have more time to paint as well as to continue my art education. I work in a variety of media such as acrylics, oils and mixed media but my first love is watercolors.

My husband, Dan has been a great help and support for this journey and God is my inspiration.

Art affiliations: Colorado Watercolor Society, Parkhill Art Club, Heritage Fine Arts Guild, Roxborough Arts Council, Littleton Fine Arts Guild

Teachers and Mentors: Judy Patti, my watercolor teacher. Betty Carr, Susan Blackwood, Nancy Condit, Nancy Priest, Jackie McFarland, Tom Lynch, Ken Hobson, Frank Francese, Carol Nelson, Anita Winter, Joan Fullerton, Raleigh Kinney, Don Sahli, Dreama Perry, Carl Miller, Randy Hale, MaryAnn Beckwith, Jean Haines, Fabio Cembranelli