About Me
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love art. Many of my best childhood memories revolve around art projects - either school projects…my own…or assignments my dad was always coming up with for me to do. When I became an elementary teacher there were plenty of outlets for creativity, but it wasn’t until I retired in 2012 that I began to explore painting. I figured I’d try watercolor first because it would be easier and cheaper than oils (both incorrect assumptions!).
I’m having a fantastic time exploring all types of subject matter, but I’m drawn to portraits and figurative work. I'd taken some art classes in college and some classes at our local art association. I've also had the privilege of working with portrait artist, Ted Nuttall, and of attending sessions with Charles Reid. Both of these artists have had a huge influence on me. I’m also fortunate to count many amazing local artists among my friends. They keep me constantly inspired and challenged to grow as an artist.
My portrait paintings are my real love - it's hard to explain the excitement of trying to connect with the essence of a person through their expression…their pose…their placement in the composition. When I feel my relationship to my subject matter begin to click in the early stages of a painting, it’s like the beginning of a friendship - it begins to evolve and take on a life of its own. (Of course - there are times when it just doesn’t work out, either!)
I feel very grateful, now that I’m retired, to have the time to pursue my passion for art. Thanks for letting me share my journey with you!
Exhibitions and Awards
PWCS Founders Award - 123RD INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF WORKS ON PAPER - Philadelphia Watercolor Society
Robert Dansky Memorial Award - 2023 Baltimore Watercolor Society Mid Atlantic Show
Juried Artist, 2023 Transparent Watercolor Society of America Exhibit (gained signature status)
Juried Artist , 156th Annual International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society (gained Signature Status) - 2023
Juried Artist, 14th annual Signature American Watermedia International Exhibition, Fallbrook Art Center - 2023
Award, Baltimore Watercolor Society Mid Atlantic Show - 2022
1st Place - Cover Competition, Artist’s Magazine 2022
Splash 23 Finalist
Juried Artist, 46th Annual Transparent Watercolor Society of America Exhibit
Juried Artist, 2022 National Watercolor Society Members Exhibit
4th Place Award, Pennsylvania Watercolor Society 2022 Members Show
1st Place Award, Artists Magazine Cover Competition
Juried Artist, 155th Annual International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society
Splash 22 Finalist
Juried Artist, Pennsylvania Watercolor Society 2021 International Juried Exhibition
Finalist, 2nd Annual Women in Watercolor International Juried Competition
Juried Artist - American Women Artists 2021 Spring Show
Award, Baltimore Watercolor Society Mid Atlantic Show - 2021
Juried Artist, 2021 American Watercolor Society Members Exhibit
Juried Artist, 45th Annual Transparent Watercolor Society of America Exhibit
Juried Artist, 2021 National Watercolor Society Members Exhibit
Finalist Award, International Watercolour Masters 2022
Winner, Artists Magazine Over 60 Competition 2020
Honorable Mention, Watercolor Artist’s Watermedia Showcase 2020
Splash 22 Finalist
Finalist, 1st Annual Women in Watercolor International Juried Competition
Award of Merit, Pittsburgh Watercolor Society Aqueous Open 2020
Award, Baltimore Watercolor Society Mid Atlantic Show - 2020
Juried Artist, Pennsylvania Watercolor Society 2020 International Juried Exhibition
Juried Artist, 153rd Annual International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society
Honorable Award, Abu Rawash Prize 3rd International Watercolor Contest
“Best of Painting That Tells a Story” Award, 2019 Global Association of Watercolor Artists Competition
Award, Philadelphia Watercolor Society 119th Anniversary International Exhibition
Juried Artist, 2019 PA Watercolor Society Show
Juried Artist, 2019 National Watercolor Society Show
Award, 2019 Mid-Atlantic Regional Watercolor Exhibition (Baltimore Watercolor Society)
Signature Status - Baltimore Watercolor Society
Signature Status - Pennsylvania Watercolor Society
Global Association of Watercolor Artists 2019 Show - “Best of Painting that Tells a Story Award”
2nd Place, 2018 PA Watercolor Society Member’s Show
Best of Show, 2018 Mechanicsburg Art Center Juried Show
Friends of PA Watercolor Society Award, 39th Annual International Pennsylvania Watercolor Society Show.
Juried Artist, 2018 Mid-Atlantic Regional Watercolor Exhibition (Baltimore Watercolor Society)
Honorable Mention, Pennsylvania Watercolor Society 2017 Member Show
Juried Artist, 38th Annual International Pennsylvania Watercolor Society Show.
Award, 2017 Mid-Atlantic Regional Watercolor Exhibition (Baltimore Watercolor Society)
1st Place, 2017 (Watercolor category) Figuratively Speaking Show - Harrisburg Art Association
Award of Merit, Hanover Arts Guild 2016 - 2nd Annual Open Show
Juried Artist, 2016 Mid-Atlantic Regional Watercolor Exhibition ( Baltimore Watercolor Society )
Juried Artist, 2016 Pennsylvania Art of the State Show
1st Place Who's That Girl (or Guy?: All Portrait Show - Art Center School And Galleries, Mechanicsburg, PA (Awards were selected by guests who voted for their favorite entries)
3rd Place Juried Award and 2nd Place Viewer's Choice Award (2 different pieces): Artist Appreciation Exhibit, 2nd Floor Gallery, Mechanicsburg, PA
Award of Merit, Hanover Arts Guild 2015 1st Annual Open Show
Juried Artist, 9th Annual Keystone National: Juried Works on Paper at The Art Center School and Galleries
Juried Artist, 36th Annual International Pennsylvania Watercolor Society Show.
Viewer's Choice Award, 26th Annual International Pennsylvania Watercolor Society Show.
The Art Center of Mechanicsburg Annual Members Show 2013 First Place Award
The Art Center of Mechanicsburg Annual Members Show 2013 Third Place Award
Affiliations
Member PA Watercolor Society - Signature Status
Member Baltimore Watercolor Society
Member - American Watercolor Society
Member - National Watercolor Society
Member - Transparent Watercolor Society
PA Watercolor Society Board of Directors