Painting began for me as a childhood passion. As far back as I can remember, I was intriguedwith drawing what I saw. I was fortunate that my family encouraged me to pursue the artworld. I always knew that painting was what I would do with my life and I was determined togo to art school.

I studied life drawing and watercolor at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Illinois. There I was privileged to study watercolor under the late Irving Shapiro, one of the truly great watercolor artists of our time. 

Over the past thirty five years my paintings have won many awards, including “Best of Show” and “Peoples’ Choice” several years running in the Watercolor Society of Oregon annual shows. I now devote my energies and attention to painting what I find meaningful, something that speaks to me. Usually it is the light that captures the scene for me. I try  to convey to the viewer a place of familiarity or belonging, a feeling of "being home".

I have lived in many locations across this country, but prefer the Pacific Northwest. It was my choice to relocate here from the midwest. Oregon is such a diverse state. I lived on the Oregon coast for 10 years, and may return someday. I moved to central Oregon with my two cats, Phoebe and Katie, but found myself drawn to the Willamette Valley. I love the romance of the vineyards and the farms, and now live just west of Portland, Oregon.