Empress Exotica (Whimsical Exotic Woman) Drawing

~ My paintings have been published in 6 books: ~ "Winter 2015 Art Auction" by Shan Peck ~ "Spring 2016 Art Auction" by Shan Peck ~ "Arts Sports Politics Science--Portraits of Famous People" by Shan Peck ~ "Africa" by Shan Peck ~ "Children's Illustrations" by Shan Peck ~ "196+1 Artwork" by Shan Peck. I also served as Shan's editor on 3 of the books. ~ I was born and raised in the Midwest in the mid-1940’s, graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. in Theater (concentrations in musical theatre performance and costume design), then moved to Los Angeles in 1976 where I lived most of my adult life. At age 40, while working full-time at night and raising a son by myself, I returned to school and earned a Professional Certificate–Summa Cum Laude in Fashion Design; one of my designs won second place in the 1987 "Suit of the Future" national design contest. ~ In 2014, at age 68, I turned my creative focus from acting, singing and dancing to drawing & painting. I often create dimension in my art with fabric, apparel trim, feathers, jewelry, Swarovski rhinestones & beads, and paper collage. My style is realistic yet often whimsical and I hope my sense of humor comes through in my work because . . . well, because life is just . . . FUNNY!