Short Bio
I live in upstate NY, in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Making art is my passion and began early in my life and has remained an integral part of who I am and how I see the world. I have studied, and continue to study, under a number and variety of established, award-winning, and inspired artists, including Bernard Dellario, Ann Larsen, Mary Bentz Gilkerson, and Rita DiCaprio.
Statement
Inspiration and creativity begin with seeing the forms, color, and beauty all around me. I begin creating paintings in my mind before I approach the canvas. I classify my work as largely impressionistic, verging on abstract. I strive for strong compositions and a variety of texture to draw the viewer in, while minimizing detail for imagination to finish the piece. I paint outdoors every chance get inspired by the lakes, rivers, and mountains of the Adirondack region. I try to capture the essence and vastness of the mountain landscape and the kaleidoscopic beauty of the seasons. Additional subjects include Umbria, Italy countryside and compelling scenes from around the United States.
Biography
I live in upstate NY, in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Making art is my passion and began early in my life and has remained an integral part of who I am and how I see the world. I have studied, and continue to study, under a number and variety of established, award-winning, and inspired artists, including Bernard Dellario, Ann Larsen, Mary Bentz Gilkerson, and Rita DiCaprio.
I started drawing as a young child and have never stopped. I painted murals on my childhood bedroom walls and spent my college Saturdays sketching nude figures. I loved drawing in pen and ink, adding washes and watercolor to create simple, captivating designs. In 2016 I felt drawn to the intensity, richness, and texture of oil paint. Since that time, I have been studying and developing my oil painting skills, often incorporating cold wax and palette knife into my work. Oil allows me to express myself in a completely different way compared to the softness and fluidity of watercolor. I continue to develop my own framework for approaching complex subjects and creating dynamic and bold compositions. Most recently I added gouache to my repertoire, which I've found to be a wonderfully portable and fast-drying medium that can result in powerfully clean and simple designs.
Resume / CV
List of Selected Exhibits:
American Impressionist Society juried All Member Show, 2022
American Impressionist Society juried Associate Member Online Exhibition, 2022
whipple Free Library Juried Show, 2022
The Great American Paint In Juried Book 2022
The Great American Paint In Online Juried Show 2020
North Country Arts 2018 Expressions
North Country Arts 2019 Expressions, 3rd place
Landscapes for Land Sake 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Art in the Workplace, Saratoga Arts 2018, 2019
My paintings have been purchased by a variety of local and national private collectors.
Professional Affiliations:
Saratoga Arts Council, Member, 2015-present
American Impressionist Society, Associate Member 2022.
Education:
Ph.D., State University of New York, Albany, NY, August 1987