El Matador Study Painting

When I see beautifully shaped elements in the natural landscape come alive by dramatic light it makes my heart sing, whether a rock, tree, or an immense vista. Light is the miraculous key that makes undistinguished things become magnificent and affects color in stunning ways. I work primarily in oils. My paintings explore the relationships of symbolic elements in the landscape and how light, color, and interesting shapes create emotional responses. The love of making art began with the inspiration and guidance of my mother, who was a painter and art teacher. My paintings have won awards from many national and international exhibitions including Oil Painters of America, American Women Artists, Salon International, National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, and Art Renewal Center. I was featured in Southwest Art Magazine’s Artists to Watch in 2013. Given a solo show and guest instructor residency at Pearce Western Art Museum in Texas in 2010, I was also selected by the National Park Service as Artist-in-Residence at Badlands National Park.