Please click on the Portfolio tab to see my work.

I was born and raised in New Orleans, but have been living in Alabama since 1971. I worked as a social worker for 25 years, retired and took a portrait painting class the Summer of 2004. I have no training in art. I had never used oils, but I was immediately hooked, and have spent the last 3 years doing everything to develop my skills.

Presently, I paint portraits on commission. I take my own photographs as I feel a good photograph is the foundation of a great portrait. Occasionally I use photographs from a client, if the photograph has special meaning as in the case of a deceased relative or friend.

Early in my portrait painting career, I realized that what I really wanted to paint was non-traditional portraits or figurative work. I enjoyed painting children in a casual manner particularly if they were showing a little "attitude." Children who are trying their best to become independent, are perfect candidates for these kinds of portraits. I also enjoyed painting very large and very close-cropped faces. Some of my portraits are done in multiple glazes (as many as 30).

Although my style would be classified as realistic, my use of color and composition are not what you would find in a traditional painting. I try to meld my talent for realism and love of color into unusual paintings while retaining the true likeness of the client.

I continually refine my portrait painting technique through serious and intense study of portraiture, gathering instruction from workshops, instructional videos, museums, art magazines, and a large array of art books.

I feel that I have been given a gift and I love sharing this gift with others.