How long have you been creating?

Since I was old enough to grip a pencil. Some of my earliest memories are drawing pictures at my grandmother's house. Grandma was an artist, too. She kept all my drawings and encouraged me to pursue art. When she died in 2000 at age 97, I found my old drawings in a drawer, like a time capsule from my past.

How would you describe your work?

The word "evolving" comes to mind, but it's overused. How about, "gathers no moss!" What I mean is, I love using different mediums and a variety of subject matter to stay fresh and inspired. Though I'm primarily known for my horse art, I'm now exploring landscapes and other subjects while trying to be less literal. My current mediums are clay (handmade tile and sculpture), acrylic, oil and watercolor painting.

What are you motivations for creating?

I like the idea of creating something that wouldn't have existed otherwise. And there's something about seeing an interesting mountain range, a brightly colored bird, or horses grazing against a magnificent backdrop that compels me to express how I feel about it. Plein aire painting is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a fine day. I go outside to paint as often as possible during the summer.

Have you seen any art that has moved you recently?

Maynard Dixon is my favorite artist. I have numerous books on his art. Whenever I want to be blown away by great landscapes, I look at those books. I admire Betty Billups for her plein aire paintings. Thom Ross, a contemporary western painter, is another favorite. His simple interpretation of the west is fascinating and fun.

What do you find visually stimulating right now?

I am increasingly attracted to bright colors. When I look at art I did 15 years ago, I perceived it as bright at the time, but now seems subdued compared to my current color choices. I never cease to be inspired by the beauty of the American West. The sky with it's big fluffy clouds, the mountains, the "don't fence me in" feeling is something I strive to capture.

What's the last book you read?

"Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert T. Kiyosaki. I highly recommend it.

Animals are recurrent themes in your art--tell me about your passion for painting them.

I love the animal kingdom! My art is almost always about animals. One of my favorites, manatees, are endangered and part of the reason I paint manatees is to help draw attention to them. I'm so afraid they are going to disappear in our lifetime. Birds have become one of my more recent favorites. Since moving to the northwest in 1998, I've grown to appreciate the arrival of spring and the return of migrating birds. Birds really bring the landscape to life. I have enjoyed observing and learning about them.

What would you like your fellow EBSQ artists and our collectors to know about you and/or your work?

The first thing I want to say is how appreciative I am when a person parts with his or her hard-earned money to purchase something I've created. When I joined EBSQ in November 2001, I thought it would merely be a good search tool to be able to put "ebsq" in my auction title. Little did I know I would become hooked on being a part of this diverse group of artists! I particularly look forward to EBSQ's monthly theme shows. When I get an unusual assignment such as "Conspiracy Theory" or "Spam and Trout", I end up creating something I otherwise wouldn't have.