Fine Art paintings

About the Artist:

I began painting in oil while living in Europe as a Military wife. While living in Belgium for three years, I had weekly classical painting lessons. When I returned to the States I re-enrolled and studied Fine Art in college. To continue my study of oil painting I take workshops with artist that inspire me. I have taken workshops with Ray Roberts, L. Diane Johnson, Debra Huse, James Richards and Ken Auster.

My favorite thing is being outdoors painting, racing against the changing light. It sounds poetic, but in fact Plein Air painting is using all of the Fine Art knowledge I have acquired with the endurance of a 5K race! You have to contend with the heat, cold, rain, bugs - I think you get the idea! After years of painting in the studio I thought I would give Plein Air painting a try. I went outside, set up my equipment and started. It was an instant love affair. Of course I didn't know what I was doing, but I was doing it! The years of studio painting paid off. The act of total immersion with my subject is now something I crave.

There is always something to learn with each painting, I think that is what I like about it, it is never boring.

Recent Awards:

Second Place - Augusta Plein Air Event,

"Watering Holes Along the Katy Trail" 2011

Two Purchase Awards - BIG CEDAR 2011

Big Cedar, Ridgedale, MO. - Two paintings were

purchased by BIG CEDAR for their Permanent Collection

First Place, Plein Air - Hidden Glen Arts Festival, Olathe, KS 2010

Juried into "PAINT THE TOWN" Cranford, NJ Plein Air Event 2010

(one of thirty one artists chosen by "American Artist Magazine" to participate )

First Place - Leavenworth Holiday Art Show, Leavenworth, KS 2009

Third Place - STEMS Plein Air Painting Event, Johnson County, KS 2009