The Spanish Dance Painting

: My childhood was unique and influenced the direction of my career as an artist. At age fourteen I began working alongside my father building and painting sets at his theatrical production company. He was an inventive artist, and my first teacher and mentor. This gave me the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the most creative and well trained artists in New York. A variety of scenic artists, fine artists costume and set designers rotated in and out of the studio. I had the good fortune to learn to traditional techniques and materials as well as contemporary and nontraditional mediums.This allows me many tools to choose from when I approach a painting.I took my first formal art class in 1977 and painted my first oil painting. It was a portrait.I was obsessed and still am. I am a member and past chairman of the Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists. My goal is truthful, interesting interpretations of our world. Color and design are the most distinct elements of my paintings. I am currently experimenting with very large abstract paintings. The paintings are often inspired by abstract designs found in realistic settings. I have used parts of my realistic paintings as a starting point for an abstract design. My paintings always have an emotional component. The subjects that move me tend to be close to home and heart. Many of my landscape painting are based on local settings. Still life paintings have treasured items or symbolic meanings. Most recently and probably as a result of related events in my person life, I have been fascinated with the theme of motherhood, children and capturing the bond between mother and child. Being a mother of three has had a profound effect on my outlook, priorities and happiness. If art mimics life then, absolute joy should be evident in my painting.