About
I am a western artist with a touch of romantic realism. Sometimes I am inspired by a scene close to home but often it’s clear across the country. The west is particularly special to me, and I travel there as much as possible. I draw from the life and energy I experience and wish to show it to others. Simply put, I paint the story my Creator God gives me.
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Over time I have moved more into oil painting and do less work with other mediums. On occasion I will still use other mediums, but most of my work is done in oil paint. I always start my paintings with an underpainting and more recently an imprimatura bistre. I then work over it with color.
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My training is comprised of being self-taught, online tutorials, and more recently being mentored. I can’t say enough about being mentored by an artist who is accomplished and further along on the journey! As an artist I work primarily in oils but occasionally in acrylics. My involvement has been with various art works from original paintings, original commissions, photography projects, sketch work, and a published book cover.
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One of my earliest memories is of painting. I come from a family of artists – both sides of my family. Within my family I grew up alongside oil, watercolor and illustration. I realize this God given gift and appreciate the time and attention all of them have contributed to helping shape me over the years. I’m also blessed with a wonderful husband who is there to build any equipment I need, drive for countless hours, give feedback, etc. My son is there to push me along as well.
Mission
​I live a life on a quest to master and steward the skills of my craft, leaning into the curiosity that drives this as well as nurturing and holding onto authenticity.
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Although I will never fully master this in my lifespan, I am always hungry to move closer to gaining mastery. I see beauty all around me and want to bring others into what I experience.
Pure vision combined with craftsmanship allow me to create and unveil the beauty I wish to communicate. My hope is that I am creating with my Creator for the rest of my life, and that others will see beauty, inspiration and hope in my work.
My Vision
There is a vision I feel driven to share. I have experienced things and places in nature’s realm that I believe will inspire others to hope beyond their circumstance and the challenges of life. This internal hope is given to encourage others to take pause when they observe my work, breathe deep, and be present in the moment. I resist antagonist, robotic living and believe my art reflects this truth.
I am embracing a journey of reflection and growth as I learn from the processes of my work. In that, being able to embrace the piece even while knowing what elements need improvement, is a practice of grace. Failure has taught me that there is balance as I engage the paradox of every work I endeavor. In this, being vulnerable yet growing stronger all the while. I am in pursuit of enjoying the work, breathing deep breaths as I move forward, and dismantling the thoughts of fear or inadequacy.
I refuse to take for granted the gifts of today; being surrounded by God’s creation, and the beauty of human craftsmanship. Embrace the reality that today isn’t too late for change. Waiting for “someday,” is to decide not to start. Counter comfort and complacency with persistent determination. This will guard against decline and accelerate your progress as it unfolds onto canvas. Join me if you will, for the journey.​