My background in art began as a child.  My parents loved art; they were big collectors and I grew up going to art shows, museums and galleries.  They were also active gardeners, hikers and sailors.  We were always outdoors.  Luckily, I inherited these interests along with my children and grandchildren.  Following college, I spent many years in public relations and, later, event and activty planning at long-term care facilities where I worked closely with the elderly.

I painted, and often still do, especially with my children, and now my grand-children. Painting on paper came to me while working at a preschool and sharing that excitement of creation with my grandchildren.  Working with them, I learned how much fun it was to paint with different techniques and tools, even every-day items with no formal connection to art.  I also found that many of the elderly with whom I worked shared the enthusiasm of the very young as they were willing to experiment, even play, with new ideas and weren’t afraid to  make mistakes.

Having sailed or cruised most of my life, I was always drawn to the sense of isolation of the little house on the hill, or the shed on an island, or in the field.  When I paint, I strive more for a feeling than the picture.  I love the color combinations of Rothko, the bold strokes of Lee Krasner, and the quiet of Andrew Wyeth.

I paint with acrylics; the colors are bright and, as I am quite busy, and have very little time, it’s important that my paint dry quickly.  I use rollers and palette knives, even dusters and paper towels, to create the broad strokes and texture of my paintings.

Twyla Tharp said it best, ”Art is the only way to run away without leaving home”.