Oil, watercolor, pastel
My interest in art began with sketching mostly closeups of nature in my early childhood years that were usually quiet and reflective. Later my major in occupational therapy included classes (back in the 60s!) in art design, ceramics, weaving, jewelry making – a curriculum that balanced science and art. And that art education and subsequent vocation as an occupational therapist grew into a lifelong avocation, a leisure pursuit. Also, that “quiet and reflective” childhood led to a spiritual journey of contemplative practice, of being present in the moment, that relates to how I mindfully create art. (Interestingly, Angeles Arrien, a Basque-American cultural anthropologist, has proposed that whatever is one’s interest as a child – for me art and contemplation – is what transpires to one’s adult life for work/play. It certainly was true for me!)
It wasn’t until my family was grown that I took classes at the Art Students League of Denver and at the School of Botanical Art and Illustration at the Denver Botanic Gardens. I also attended many plein air workshops, both statewide in Colorado and New Mexico and abroad in France. Living in three European countries (England, Belgium and France) for ten years due to my husband’s work allowed me to pursue my love of art even more. After my husband’s retirement we purchased a 250-year-old “maison de village” near Avignon in the South of France. Spending five months a year in Provence from 2002 to 2013, while immersed in the French lifestyle, I continued my passion for painting the beauty of that corner of the world.
My artwork had been exhibited for ten years from 2002 to 2012 at the “Salon d’Ete” and the “Salon d’Automne” in Pernes Les Fontaines, France. In March and April of 2018, I had a solo exhibition, “Memories of Provence”, at the Alliance Francaise de Denver with 52 pieces of framed artwork. As a current member of the Littleton Fine Arts Guild I exhibit my work at The Depot Art Gallery as well as at the guild’s many outside venues.
With my background it is no surprise that much of my art captures my appreciation for and love of France, as well as my deep personal connection to nature. I hope viewers of my artwork can feel and be inspired by that passion.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso
