Juried Member of EBSQ+
STATEMENT: For as long as I can remember, art has been my passion. My excitement and love for watercolor began over 30 years ago and is renewed everyday due to the ever-present element of surprise during every painting session. I seek out opportunities to share my skills and knowledge in an effort to smooth the 'watercolor path' for others. I have a broad interest in subject matter and describe my paintings as realistic. The basics of watercolor combined with using the paper for 'white', excites and challenges me. I prefer to work on 140 lb Cold Press 'Arches watercolor paper, stretched and mounted. Holbein and Winsor Newton are my preferred brands of paint; my John Pike palette is currently in its 27th year of use.
RECOGNITION: I have received more than 60 awards to include 2 Best-in-Show and 11 First Place Watercolor. In addition to juror recognitions, I am the recipient of more than 25 patron's Purchase Awards and numerouts People's Choice Awards.
From 1972 to 1990, I traveled extensively participating in an average of 30 juried Art Festivals and exhibitions per year including; Laguna Gloria Museum Art Festival, Austin, Texas; Festival of the Arts, Oklahoma City; Crown Center Festival, Kansas City; Coconut Grove Festival, Coconut Grove, Florida.
BACKGROUND: A native Texan with 2 Cherokee grandmothers, my artistic talent became evident at an early age. I was encouraged by family and teachers from elementary school until graduation from High School. In a career span of 33 years, my proficiency in watercolor has been achieved as a result of my dedication, an intense desire to learn, and through workshops by nationally known watercolorists including Jane Jones, Jan Kuntz, Tom Lynch, and the late Irving Shapiro. I occasionally work with Acrylics, embracing it's versatility, when combined with watercolor techniques. My second medium is Egg Tempera.
RELEVANT INFORMATION: Well known for candid and informative interaction with audiences during a painting demonstration, I'm a frequent guest artist throughout the North Texas area. I work daily in the studio and paint Plein Air year round, Texas weather permitting. I am a member of several Artists' Organizations to include Outdoor Painters Society, Ellis County Art Association, EBSQ, and WWAO. Adjacent to my studio is a 1600 s.f. work space with tools and equipment for custom framing my work. I am represented on the internet through my personal website gallery and other online gallery affiliations. I accept commissions, conduct watercolor workshops and offer private lessons to adults and children. My work hangs in private and corporate collections in 34 states, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
