Inspiration

I find inspiration in the infinite array of colors that make up our world, especially those found in nature. The variation in the greens that make up the trees in the mountains, the rough textures found on tree trunks, the colors found in an incredible sunrise or sunset - all inspire me to paint. 

I want to connect with viewers of my art, imparting a portion of the joy and energy that drive me to create.

Techniques

When I approach a blank canvas, I most often have no preconceived plan for the painting other than having chosen a color palette. Whether painting rapidly with large brushes, often on a heavily textured surface, or beginning a detailed, whimsical piece using tiny brushes for decorative elements,  I  tend to use aggressive, color saturated paints as I move through each painting session. The layers of color and texture that develop are almost always a bit of a surprise to me.

I love to paint in such a way that your eyes are moved around the entire painting with interesting shapes or creatures engaging your imagination.

career highlights 

2023 Communicate in Color Show, PAC,  Awarded 1st in theme

2023 Juried Show, Elkins Art Center 2023 Gala, awarded 1st place

2023 Judged Kanawha County, WV, Youth Show

2023 Group Art Show, The Garage. Received an award for 2D

2022 72nd AAWV Juried Show, Parkersburg Art Center, received merit award

2022 Solo Show with 90 pieces, Parkersburg Art Center

2022 Gala 2022 Elkins Art Center, awarded 3rd overall

2018 Juried into Tamarack - Best of WV

2018 Juried member of Tri State Arts Assoc.

2018 Juried AAWV Show, awarded 2nd in show

Private collections in VA, TN, NC, WV, NE, TX

I was drawn to your artwork and booth at the open air market this past weekend due to the color. The best way I can describe where my brain went is the care free exploration of color by a child. (I hope you don't take that statement negatively, I don't think your work is childish that is just the best way I can explain the feeling the bright colors brought me) Your art work is beautiful. I absolutely loved it and smiled the entire time I was in your booth. 

                                                  - Shelby -

 I really love all the colors you use and how different all the pieces are.  They make me feel care free and happy. 

                                                   - Cynthia -

I wrote a small novel explaining how you’re art lightens my heart. Just know that it brings me joy through its colorful beauty and its touch of whimsy. Your compositions are well-balanced and your lines neat and clean. Simply put, your art makes me happy!  

                                                   - Phyllis -

"Your color combos and style bring me joy!"

                                                  - Helen -

"Your paintings are so vibrant.  I love the use of color and the freedom in them.  They are joyful, and if ever we needed joy, it's now!"

                                                 - Cindy -            

I think what I like most about your art is the use of vibrant colors to create an image. I look forward to seeing more and hopefully purchase a piece at some point.      

                                                  - Maureen -

Your artwork is absolutely beautiful. So colorful and intriguing. Keeps you interested in the picture. 

                                                  -Kandi-

 I appreciate the positivity of your art - the color, vibrancy, and pop!  Thank you for bringing the happy.  Please keep up the great work.

                                                   - Pam -

 I love the bright, rich colors in your work. Your art is the visual embodiment of positivity and cheer!

                                                  - Meredith -

 I love your use of color, and the playful and expressive manner of your application.

                                                     - Joel -

I love ALLLLL the color! I bought your Jellybeans painting and have it hanging in my dining room. I see it every day and it makes me so happy!

                                                      - Lisa -

The particular painting you’re giving away reminds me of Monet. I love the bright colors and flowers. Your art is so happy and vibrant. It makes me smile! 

                                                    - Pamela -

I love how colorful your artwork is! I’m drawn to bright colors and things that make me feel happy and I think that’s what your artwork did. Also, it was creative and something I hadn’t exactly seen before!

                                                     - Kaysee -

I enjoyed the range of styles you work in: from the visual textures of the painted nature studies to the bold colors of your whimsical abstract characters living in your created worlds. And the merchandise you offer provides a great range of gifts opportunities: from cups to calendars, cards and prints, canvas and canvas bags. It makes it easy to share your art with others in a thoughtful way.

                                              - Phoenix -

"Your art just make me happy!"

                                            ~ Nicole - ~

"I felt connected to the colors and shapes."

                                              - Linda-

I really loved the vibrancy and electric qualities in your prints you had displayed. They leapt out of your booth and begged for notice and put a huge smile on my face. Thank you for sharing your Art! 

                                               - Kim -

"We love all the vibrant colors!"

                                              - Sarah 

I love the vibrancy of your palette! Is so happy and fresh.

                                               - Claudia -

I love your use of colors!

                                                 - Layne _

 I was attracted to the playfulness and happy colors. 

                                                    -Joe-

It’s not possible to be in a bad mood when there is so much color surrounding you!

                                                    - Kate -

Your Art is so colorfully created, that it appeals to young and old alike. All of my grandchildren were drawn to your work! Thank you for messaging me. We have a Happy 8th Birthday to attend from 5pm-7pm tomorrow night. Thank you for the colorful bookmarks for all the kids!! 

                                                   - Cathy -

Something about your art reminds me of childhood. The garden art like that on the mug I purchased reminds me of my imagination, the creatures I thought, up and the ways I thought about animals I was learning about as a kid.

                                                      - Clay -

I absolutely love bright colorful flowers hugging the sky. Your flowers are so beautiful. As you included the bright colors with the sky it’s like looking at a little bit of heaven. 

                                                     - Susan -

"You are literally the best painter ever. All other pieces are garbage. We love everything you do! And you're the best mom and grandma in the world."

                                             ~ Nichole -

I believe life is colorful and I see life in all of your pieces.  Colors bring me so much joy.  Dr. Seuss has a book called My Many Colored Days. "Some days are yellow. Some days are blue. On different days, I'm different, too." I just truly adore the colors in your work.  Thank you for what you do!

                                                   = Susan

I love your work because it is soo colorful!!  I can always get enjoyment from something bright and cheery! 

                                                      - Pat -

I was drawn to the bright arrangement of colors with various patterns.  For me this kind of artwork shows much more personality, flare, and excitement for life.  Glad to be introduced to your work.

                                                    - Stephen -

I was drawn to your art, and this piece in particular, because it’s unique and not something I see everywhere. I am drawn to things that speak to me, and I love the whimsy and colors of this piece. I like to collect art that makes me feel something. I cannot wait to get your piece and start enjoying it. 

                                                - Arianne -

 I think your art is so beautiful, and absolutely love the logo you have!

                                                 - Madison -

Your pictures are so bright and make me happy.  

                                                     -Lesley -

I so enjoy your joyful color palette and the freedom in your painting. 

                                                       - Dana -