"I believe talent is like electricity. We don't understand electricity. We use it. - maya angelou
All through my artistic path/career, I have been influenced by things. by people. by techniques. by colors. by much more.
I am very grateful to my parents who always encouraged my 'creativity' and to the many artists who I have taken workshops from as well as my husband, family and friends that continue to encourage me to paint. Some of my favorite artists are: Nicolas de Stael, Marcia Myers, Matisse, Lori Schappe-Youens, Kathleen Conover-Miller, Rebecca Crowell, Robert Burridge, Klimt, Vincent Van Gogh, and oh so MANY MORE!!!
Not only am I inspired by other artists and their work, lives and passion, but I am also inspired by my surroundings. Daily walks. Weekly horse rides. Living in a rural area - have all created my passion for the land and nature. I know I couldn't live in a 'concrete world'. My recent works of course, are based on abstracted landscapes and barns. I was recently commissioned to do an abstracted painting of my friends new/old barn which is in Cedarburg, WI. I did several pieces and here are two more from that project.

A lot has been happening around here, not only in the garden and yard but also in opportunities and gatherings. Last night I attended our local 'critique session' with the arts council and had a wonderful time. Last week I returned from Chicago - where I am now represented by The Leigh Gallery. I brought down many of my new works in the larger sizes and Jean kept most of them - I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of her cool gallery and hear that she is doing so well! These are tough times for most galleries and many are not even looking for new artists, so I feel very lucky! Check out her website at theleighgallery.com.
Also, on my travels home, I had the opportunity to stop in at the John Michael Kohler Art Center in Sheboygan! WOW! I hadn't been there in years and I was in awe at the exhibits! I was accepted into their summer art festival in July and I had stopped to see the exhibitor space and layout - little did I realize the wonderful exhibits that were going on - relating to book art, TEXT as well as some great installations from artists all over the world. It is well worth the stop.

I just sold three encaustic paintings, sort of modern in style with black, orange and green. I really liked these three gems and are glad that they're going to a cool house on Mackinac Island. Also worked in the studio a little bit on a couple new oil/cold wax paintings, one is coming along great - in fact I'm afraid to keep going for fear of losing what I have so far-however, the other one needs more work. It's amazing how you get that "gut feeling" when you know a piece is done, although sometimes you look at it the next day and realize it isn't finished yet. The wonder and excitement of creating continues . . .

I love working large, however, I realize that when I post images to my blog/website, that I never post the sizes. Many of my pieces range in the sizes of 16 x 20" to 30 x 42" and larger. Here is an image of "Rain Dance" which is 29.5" x 40".