About

 My passion for art was inspired at a young age. As a child, I always remember sitting at my little desk making a picture. It seemed I often communicated visually. Whether it was in a Christmas card to family or a personal journal entry, there was always a drawing to be found. I remember thinking how my little creations would become alive as I made the final touches.

I was home schooled through most of my schooling years. It was during this time that my first art teacher gave me the initial inspiration to pursue my natural drive toward art. I have since studied at The American Academy of Art in Chicago and at The Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago. It was at the latter that I studied with many amazing artists to which I credit my knowledge on how to see as a painter and am truly grateful for their generausity and encouragement. Thank you to my instructors along the way, Clayton J. Beck III, Scott Tallman Powers, Romel De La Torre,and Diane Rath. Most of all I thank God for giving me this ability and passion.
Although I have been studying art and painting since before I can remember, it wasn't until 2007 when things started to move forward for me and I began to see what the future might hold for me as an artist. I had entered several art competitions and was beside myself when I got into two of the top shows, The Oil Painters of America's national show and the American Impressionist Society's national show. I not only got into these shows but also received very substantial awards from both. I received an award of excellence from the OPA and the best of show award from the AIS. Not long after I was included in Southwest Art Magazine's 21 under 31 and had my first two man show at Gallery Russia in Scottsdale, AZ. Receiving so many incredible honors, one after another , really encouraged and pushed me into becoming a full time painter.  I currently teach two oil painting classes at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts a few times a year and the rest of my time is focused on painting, traveling, and spending time with my husband as I was recently married in July of 2010. The latest turning point for me as an artists has been my recent article in Southwest Art magazine as one of their featured artist. It was quite an honor. I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed me with this passion for art and I am delighted to be able to share what I see with my students and collectors to show them the beauty and love that surrounds them.
 
Publications:
Southwest Art Magazine featured artist, March 2010
American Art Collector show previews, 2007-2011
Southwest Art Magazine 21 under 31 September 2007

Groups & Organizations:
The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts            

American Impressionist Society 

Oil Painters of America                
American Women Artists        

Plein Air Painters of Chicago              

Exhibitions:
2011    Gallery Russia Solo Show                      
2010     Waterhouse Gallery, Great American Figurative Show       
2010    Bosque Art Center, Bosque Art Classic               
2010    American Impressionist Society Nat. Show              
2010    Walls Gallery, OPA Easter Regional Show               
2009    Greenhouse Gallery, Salon International               
2009    Gallery Russia Solo Show                       
2009    Waterhouse Gallery, Great American Figurative show       
2009    Bosque Arts Center, Bosque Art Classic, 1st time entrant award   
2009    American Women Artist                      
2009    American Impressionist Society                   
2008    Gallery Russia Solo Show                        
2008    Waterhouse Gallery, Great American Figurative Show       
2008    American Impressionist Society, 1st place               
2007    Wistle Pik Gallery, OPA National Juried Exhibition                     
2007    Hilligoss Gallery, AIS National show, Best of Show Award    
2006    The Palette & Chisel, Gold Medal, 2nd place               
2006    The Palette & Chisel, 3 Artists from 3 Walks of Life           
2006    Brazier Fine Art Gallery, OPA Regional Miniature Show      
2006    Sunset Art Gallery, Society of Master Impressionists          
2006    Barnsite Art Studio, Barns & Farms Nat. Juried Show
2006    Dana Gallery, OPA National Juried Exhibition           

Galleries:

Gallery Russia                Scottsdale, AZ
Waterhouse Gallery        Santa Barbara, CA