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: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.
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
