I spent my early years in Tennessee studying drawing and painting.  Art has been an essential part of my life with a family history that includes more than one professional artist in the Pennsylvania area.  My art interest is in my bones and has spanned my entire life.

 After years as a microbiologist and in cancer research, I have had the opportunity follow my heart and to focus on my art since 1993.  I have worked to perfect my drawing and painting abilities.  I received basic training at institutions of higher learning, but have truly learned by studying with practicing artists rather than focusing my education on just one or two institutions.  This is where art theory and people’s tastes are combined and enabled me to take what I consider the best of a variety of specific artists from across the country and incorporate their wisdom into my own approach.  I have had the opportunity to study with a number of great contemporary artists including Bob Gerbracht, Richard Whitney,  Michael Del Priore, and Charles Becker.  I have learned a great deal from each one and appreciate their generous teaching.

Selected Juried Shows and Exhibits

2006                National Show, Marin Society of Artists Ross, CA

2006                 Kings Mountain Show, Woodside, CA

2006                Swanson Gallery Exhibition, Sonoma CA,

2006                Friends of Bob Gerbracht Show, Epperson Gallery, Crockett, CA

2005                Small Works Show, Healdsburg, CA

2004                Realism 2004, Artisans, Mill Valley, CA

 Commissions:

Kala & Kory                Mr. & Mrs Sheppard, San Francisco, CA

Almost Lemonade        Mr. & Mrs. McGaffery, Napa CA

Summer Pears              Mr. & Mrs. Morse, Napa, CA

Pair of Pears                 Higgins Design, Houston, TX

Harry                           Mr. Schneider & Ms. Litwak, Santa Rosa, CA

 Education

1993-1995       Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, CA

1996                Colorado State University

1997-1998       Atelier of Virgil Elliot, Classical Realism

1998-1999       Atelier of Camille Przewodek, Plein Air Color

1999-2000       Atelier of Bob Gerbracht, Portrait Painting

2002-2004       Atelier of Charles Becker, Realism Still Life Painting

 Teaching:  Basic Painting and Still Life Painting Techniques 2005-2006

 Affiliations:

Valley of the Moon Art Association, President 2003-Present

Upstairs Art Gallery, Board Member 2005-Present

Oil Painters of America