Climbing Tree Painting

I found myself mesmerized by the colors of oil paints at a store where I had come to buy a book, about 6 years ago and although I never found that book, I did, however, leave with a bundle of Winsor & Newton oils, brushes and canvases and since that time I have found that painting may be the one thing I do in my life that has a profoundly calming effect on me. I paint whatever I find visually or emotionally compelling; places that hold dear memories, my children, scenes from coffee shops, animals, city streets, birthday cakes, the view from my bedroom window, anything inviting. I tend to see bright and playful colors whether they exist or not, in real life. Easily distracted by the visual world around me, I am tempted to stop and take pictures, constantly, of the things I am eager to paint later. I am originally from New York but made Madison, WI, my home 25 years ago, when I married the love of my life, Scot. I am a mother of five kids - ages 16 - 26, four sons and one daughter.