The Artist

photograph of the artist painting in FranceI grew up in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC in a once upon a time small town called Vienna. I spent most of my life in the Northern Virginia area, but I recently fulfilled a dream of mine and moved to Maui.  For as long as I can remember, I’ve dabbled in the arts on and off. As a child in grade school I found myself working on special projects that involved drawing. My parents encouraged my abilities by signing me up for art lessons when I was twelve years old. I looked forward to those Saturday mornings in Mr. Piper’s converted attic studio that smelled of turpentine, oil and acrylic paint. In college, I studied Commercial Art and started my career as a Technical Illustrator. Somehow I got sidetracked into the world of electronics (it probably had something to do with the pay scale). I chose to work in the telecommunications industry as a printed circuit board designer, not chancing the possibility of living the life of a “starving” artist. In order to keep my creative side happy, I occasionally took painting lessons or entered design contests.

During the past few years, my artistic concentration has been on watercolor and experimenting with mixed media. Much of my inspiration comes from the beauty of nature and my travels across the United States and other parts of the world. However, not all my work is on paper or canvas. I also paint murals on a variety of surfaces and create faux finish furniture.

My work has been shown at the Herndon Old Town Gallery, the Vienna Arts Society and Gallery 222 juried shows. I participate and volunteer at the annual Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit in Waterford, VA.

various murals and faux painting

I am a great lover of animals and have owned big Labrador retrievers. Most recently, my niece got me hooked on the little ones. Commitment to a full time pet would be difficult since I travel quite frequently, but when I’m home, I foster rescue dogs for the Mutts Matter Rescue organization. If you choose to commission a pet portrait, you can be assured that a portion of your payment will be donated to this honorable cause.

Love my dogs! But what I really want is a miniature giraffe… you know… about 2 feet tall…or maybe a Panda cub!!!

photograph of rescue dogs Meet some of the pups I fostered: Maggie, Cali, Chester, Oliver and Pixie.

Affiliations

American Watercolor Society, Associate member
National Watercolor Society, Associate member

Awards

2nd Place Watercolor, Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit 2014
2nd Place Mixed Media, Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit 2008