It all began around 1993, where I decided to finally apply my creative talent to paper.

Working for an Interior Designer, I was asked to stencil her wall and I said.. "just let me paint it freehand". I proceeded to paint the most beautiful fruit and vine border along her dining room soffit. I had created something beautiful all thanks to a natural "God given Talent"...but I knew after some college watercolor courses...I could do better...and I DID!l Then things really began to happen.

I painted all hours of the day, using big brushes and bold strokes. I learned the basics and applied everything I learned from each weeks critique. From there, I was continually painting, but also making a nice living doing wall murals in model homes, restuarants , and offices. I am blessed with a natural talent, but the watercolor training helped tremendously.

I then, began attending watercolor workshops. I have had personal one- on- one training and critiques from these well known art experts at California's famed "Paint Yosemite" workshop. They helped me so Much and I continually thank: Jane Burnham ~ Allyn Wylie ~ Dan Burt ~ Ratindra Das ~ Arne Westerman ~ Steven Quiller ~ Pat Deadman ~ Serge Hollerback ~ Barbara Nechis ~ Don Getz and Carla O'Conner Just to name a few! This yr. I can add to my list of famed instructors: ~ Donna Watson, ~Robbie Laird, ~Tom Fong, ~Dale Laitenan, and ~Dick Cole~! ! !

I 've continued to enter and be accepted to juried competitions in watercolor and acrylic fine art. I've always painted big and large! My entries have received numerous First Place Blue Ribbons, hundreds of Second Places and one BEST OF SHOW and several PEOPLE'S CHOICE awards. I have entered exhibits throughout the San Joaquin Valley, Tulare and Sacramento Counties, Lassen County, Lake Almanor, CA and Reno Nevada!

One of my earliest accomplishments was receiving a First Place Blue Ribbon on a beautiful watercolor over my respected Art Teacher, M.K. Wheeler! I still have that painting in my collection.

I have been blessed with many sales of my art. The local Bank of America invited me to do two private showings per year and that has made for some fantastic sales of artwork.

My diversity in my style and my constant challenges to grow, force me to change my subject, my plein air landscape locations and my medium. Makes for an EXCITING and very REWARDING career.

Don't forget to check out my line of beautiful note cards, stamps and other items at www.zazzle.com/gottapaint !

JUST CLIK ON THE PURPLE BOX TO GET TO MY ZAZZLE SITE!

Ciao!!

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