Picked from the Patch Print

Growing up in a modest home in what some would call a nondescript suburb, was really a good thing for me. When you have to look a bit harder to find beauty, you really appreciate it. I believe this has shaped my relationship with art. I have been called a “slice of life” painter, which I love! I think helping people to see the beauty in something they would not normally take notice of is a wonderful privilege. Up through my college years I pursued art as a career only to realize that I was being steered towards becoming an art teacher or a graphic designer. Both are worthy fields, but not what I wanted to do. I took a “break” from school to do some soul searching. During this time I met and married my husband Tim and started working with him in the real estate field. On a whim, I took a plein air class from well respected painter Eric Jacobsen. I had never tried oil paints before and didn't even know anything about plein air. So this was like a double “Aha!” moment for me. I loved the brave and bold feel of oil paint and the adventure of the outdoors. I was hooked. My husband encouraged me and recognized my growing desire to paint, paint, PAINT! It soon became apparent that this would be part of our future. I began taking classes and workshops in my spare time and reading every art book and magazine I could get hold of. Like many others, the great real estate crash of 2007 became an opportunity for me to reevaluate my career. From a very young age I had the idea that I should be creating art. As an adult the question became “how?” What I've since learned is that each artist's path is a very individual journey. There really is no road map. Since taking the leap and becoming a full time artist in 2013, I have participated in many local and national shows. I continue to find joy in the creative process and am excited to simply find out how far I can increase my skill and find out what is yet to be discovered.