Growing up in Southern California in the 40's and 50's, I developed an early appreciation for the natural beauty of uncrowded beaches, mountains and desert wildflowers in bloom. My grandmother was an accomplished oil painter. A trip to her home was like visiting a gallery; every wall, including the hallways was covered with arrangements of her landscape, portrait and still life paintings.

As a young adult, I tried my hand at painting, but soon became consumed with the joys and responsibilities of raising a large family. The family lived in Texas for many years where we owned and managed a business. Vacations there led us to the Gulf Coast and annual pilgrimages to the Texas Hill Country to see spectacular spring wildflower displays. These beautiful natural vistas served as the inspiration for many of my watercolor paintings.

With children grown, I was able to find time to return to my paint and brushes, working primarily in watercolor. A few years ago, I discovered the world of fine art mosaics. Since that time, much of my artistic focus has been in studying and perfecting my skills in that medium. It was my good fortune to have had the opportunity, in Texas, to study with renowned mosaic artist, teacher and author Sonia King. After retiring in 2006, I returned to California in order to be closer to my aging parents and to devote more time to pursuing my interest in art.

In my fine art mosaics, I work primarily with stained glass and glass tiles, sometimes embellished with glass gems, beads and semi-precious stones. All of the mosaics in my gallery are original designs, some inspired by my earlier watercolor paintings. Much of my mosaic artwork is done on a commission basis, working closely with individual clients.

I am an active member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists and a juried member of EBSQ Self Representing Artists. A recent mosaic "Looking Out", received an award in the juried 2008 San Diego County Fair Fine Arts Exhibit. My work was featured in the Internationl Portfolio of Contemporary Mosaic Art in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. My mosaics and watercolor paintings can be found in private collections in California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado and Hawaii.

Please take a few minutes to browse through my portfolio. Contact me at pegallagher@cox.net if you are interested in purchasing an available mosaic or watercolor painting or to discuss a commission piece.