After retiring from lifetime stints as Printing/Production Manager for three different marketing, advertising, and silk screening companies in several states, I arrived in Florence in December 2008 and “hit the ground running”—trying to catch up with my lifelong dream of becoming an independent artist. My childhood passion and talent for drawing and painting had to take a more practical turn, that is, earning a living.
Though a full-time career and family would consume the majority of my time for years, I was always driven to carve out some personal time to take art classes at local colleges that would broaden my art exposure and hone my own skills. I attended Commercial Art classes in the early 80’s and Graphic Arts courses in the early 90’s which provided me with the much-needed confidence that I had talent, and encouragement to continue pursuing my dream.
Over the years, I experimented with many different media—predominately acrylics, pen and ink and an occasional scratch board. It wasn’t until I moved to Florence that I developed a strong desire to paint in watercolors.
Most of my watercolors are high-key, soft and transparent. I am passionate about working in negative space. I use light glazes of color, each layer building up intensity. As my painting progresses, organic shapes seem to emerge from within the paper. These shapes will determine the subject of my painting or enhance the subject I’ve already chosen. My favorite watercolor subjects are still life and floral—to which I usually add whimsical and abstract touches.
I am equally passionate about drawing with pen and ink. Working with one color allows me the freedom to explore different methods to give my drawings depth and dimension. Though this medium can be very challenging–because it is permanent and unforgiving–it adds to the excitement. My subjects are stylized, somewhat abstract, and detailed, but not rendered to exact likeness.
Since moving to Florence, I have attended watercolor classes and workshops with Susan Weathers and Regina Giandomenico, and am currently a member of Monday Painters and the Backstreet Gallery.
Gray's Anatomy
My watercolors have garnered Honorable Mentions at the FEC Celebrate Arts, second and third place ribbons in Rhody Days Art Shows in 2009-2011 and Old Town Coffee Company’s annual Miniature Art Show. I received Best of Show award at the Backstreet Gallery’s annual Little Dickens Miniature Art Show in 2010. My work has been displayed at local and regional business establishments.
Orange Azaleas in a Blue Bowl
