About
My Story
Twenty-three years ago, during a particularly difficult stretch of my life, I visited a local artist in Charlottesville, Virginia and asked her if she would teach me to draw. "No," she said, and handed me a dozen sketch books, each one representing a different master artist - including Michaelangelo, Holbein, Degas, Sargent. She told me to copy the masters. That is all she said. Then, she turned around and continued her painting. With a not-fancy pencil and my first sketchbook, I copied. Every. Single. Night. for over a year. I started learning to see and developed some confidence that one day, when I had the time, I would take the opportunity to draw more and to learn to paint. Fast Forward to April, 2021 when I purchased my first paints and started the first of many classes. I am fortunate to wake up insanely early because it gives me quiet space to paint several hours every day. This path is an exploration for me, each painting a targeted learning experience. I love engaging with geometrics, repetition, contrasts, botanicals, colors and the experience of visually describing life's impermanence. I also enjoy layers - paint, collage, graphite, charcoal. Special thanks to Kirah Van Sickle (kirahfineart.com), Louise Fletcher (louisefletcherart.com, Sally Hirst, Judy Woods, Nicholas Wilton for their valuable critical feedback, enthusiasm and encouragement. And Thank You, Kismet, for my special friends and family.
Twenty-three years ago, during a particularly difficult stretch of my life, I visited a local artist in Charlottesville, Virginia and asked her if she would teach me to draw. "No," she said, and handed me a dozen sketch books, each one representing a different master artist - including Michaelangelo, Holbein, Degas, Sargent. She told me to copy the masters. That is all she said. Then, she turned around and continued her painting. With a not-fancy pencil and my first sketchbook, I copied. Every. Single. Night. for over a year. I started learning to see and developed some confidence that one day, when I had the time, I would take the opportunity to draw more and to learn to paint. Fast Forward to April, 2021 when I purchased my first paints and started the first of many classes. I am fortunate to wake up insanely early because it gives me quiet space to paint several hours every day. This path is an exploration for me, each painting a targeted learning experience. I love engaging with geometrics, repetition, contrasts, botanicals, colors and the experience of visually describing life's impermanence. I also enjoy layers - paint, collage, graphite, charcoal. Special thanks to Kirah Van Sickle (kirahfineart.com), Louise Fletcher (louisefletcherart.com, Sally Hirst, Judy Woods, Nicholas Wilton for their valuable critical feedback, enthusiasm and encouragement. And Thank You, Kismet, for my special friends and family.