Artist Statement
When I was 9 years old, my parents thought it best I attend a summer art class at Wright’s Park in Tacoma, WA. – not because of any talent or interest on my part, but to give my mom a break on those long summer days. It was then that I did my first landscape painting, which can be seen in my studio.
Art and painting have been a part of my life for a long time. My interest in design led me to a career as a Landscape Architect. Pencil and brush have been my constant companions for work and leisure. I’ve done doodling, cartooning, sketching, watercolor, and drafting. Though I have done plenty of plein-air, my preference is painting landscapes in my studio using photos I’ve taken or found in magazines.
My big break into soft pastels was on Maui in 2011. When on the island, I would visit art galleries and frequently saw beautiful landscape paintings using soft pastel. Not only was I drawn to the art, but the medium, too. Finally, I called Michael Clements, the artist whose work I admired, and scheduled three 4-hour private lessons. The rest is history.
Pastel painting is now an important hobby of mine. I am excited to open my studio and share my paintings, as well as books of my sketching from many years ago.