For me, being an artist is not a hobby, a profession, or an amusement. As far back as I can remember, it's how I've defined myself. In early childhood I drew and painted constantly. In elementary school I was labeled “the artist” in the class, as classmates crowded my desk to watch me draw and teachers turned the art jobs over to me.
In high school I eagerly took all the art classes available, and began teaching younger kids in my parents’ garage, which they had generously given over to be my “studio”. I was an art major at the University of California at Berkeley, and earned money making posters for the Student Association (that was a busy job in the 60's!), doing cartoons, and occasionally selling paintings.
In my twenties I moved to a rural area in Northern California, doing sign-painting, graphics, and setting up an art program for the local school, all while raising three sons with my husband Bill. I tried to make sure art was always included in my busy schedule. In 1986 the family relocated to New Hampshire for a two-year stay. I joined the staff of an established art center in Sharon, HN, and offered lessons for children in our big rambling house on Dublin Lake. I took advantage of workshops at the center to study watercolor and color theory.
After returning to California I set a goal of exhibiting my work publicly to see where that might lead. My first solo show was in May of 1990. Later that year we bought a house in Port Townsend and my work has been displayed here almost continually since. I also spent seven years on the Port Townsend Arts Commission.
A pastel workshop in 1995 gave me the feeling of having truly found my medium. I have been working in soft pastel primarily since then. I love the rich colors possible and the way they bring subjects like landscape and seascape to life. I use 400 grit sanded papers, which allow for maximum layering of different shades.
I am proud to have been a member of the Port Townsend Gallery cooperative since January 1998 and to have served on the Board of Directors. I am continually inspired by being in the company of these excellent artists, as well as the many other awesome artists who call Port Townsend home.
