Painting is my release, yet at the same time, always challenging me to grow and explore new and exciting  subject matter and technique. It is something that is truly all mine, a vision and artistic expression  to share with others.

         Drawing and painting has always been a way of life for me. As a child, I discovered my Grandmothers’ oil pastels and have been creating art ever since. My work is very realistic yet stylized, detailed yet painterly. I enjoy working with many mediums, but prefer pastels and acrylics. Pastels force me to loosen up, while acrylics give me the freedom to go any way I choose. My images are bold with lots of color and contrast, combined with a strong light source. I love the challenge of making something look three dimensional on a two dimensional surface.

         I paint what I enjoy, and inspiration comes to me in many forms.  Some of my favorite subjects are wildlife, landscapes,  and non-traditional florals, inspired from my landscape designs and flower gardening.  I also enjoy still life, as they have so many different textures incorporated into them.

         Some of my influences are the Pre-Raphaelites, particularly William Holman Hunt and Dante Gabrielle Rossetti. Their use of color, romanticism, and relentless observation of detail continue to fascinate me. Also German watercolorist Sulamith Wulfing, for her amazing handling of the medium, design, and childlike illustration. Frida Kahlo inspires me in the way that she painted from the heart, very raw, stemming from personal tragedy and lifelong struggles.

         I've always known that art was going to be my career choice. I took art all through high school, combined  with private art lessons. From there I received formal art training at the Cleveland Institute of Art, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration and painting. From my home studio, I freelance and teach private and small group art lessons. It gives me great satisfaction watching  students with genuine passion and dedication, grow and develop their talent.