I am an artist from Beavercreek, Ohio. I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, and earned a degree in Art Education from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. After graduating, I taught art in Illinois public and private school systems for over 10 years.

A few years later, I went back to my alma mater and earned my MA in Art Education where I met my husband, Gary, while he was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base. He told me that if I would marry him, I would see the world. The opposite proved true; I lived in the Midwest while he was off serving our country in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We decided to settle in Dayton with our daughter, Stephanie, because of the good schools and the abundance of art opportunities in the area.

I experimented with several different mediums for over 20 years, but eventually rediscovered my passion for painting and decided to focus on watercolor. My work in watercolors has evolved from the very abstract to a more graphic, non-traditional interpretation of my subjects. I incorporate my oil painting techniques of blending color on the canvas into my watercolor paintings. This results in a blend of traditional colors and images with contemporary styles and forms. When asked about my subject matter, I respond, “I have a black thumb and can’t grow anything but weeds.

By painting my garden I always have a rainbow of colors to enjoy, no matter what season.” I continue to share my love of art by teaching art classes in my studio, local art centers or at the Adult Continuing Education Center. Most days you can find me busy painting in my studio or out gathering ideas in a nearby garden.