I am a fearless alcohol ink and mixed media artist who loves to experiment. Time to experiment and play has brought joy and wonder into my life.
I encourage that in my art classes with my students. Alcohol inks have a mind of their own. Sometimes they cooperate, and sometimes the painting takes an entirely different turn from where it started.
I empower my students to find their inner child and play and create. My goal for all of my students is to teach them a variety of techniques that they can use to create their own, unique art. And, I haven't had a student yet who leaves not loving a piece of artwork that they created!
More About My Life
Funny, I didn't really do much art as a kid. But, Mom had beautiful perennial gardens. Ok, weeding wasn't my favorite chore, but I always delighted in the colors, shapes, and textures in her garden.
That love has stayed with me and is now expressed in my own gardens and in my art.
I learned early in life that I loved music, sang and played guitar. And, I was and still am a voracious reader.
My husband, Charlie, is now a photographer with his own business.
Charlie and I raised a wonderful son, Jason, who is an exceptionally talented tattoo artist in New York.
Most of my adult life has been spent working as a human resources leader in the hospital and healthcare industry. That work requires I use my left brain, and while highly rewarding it comes with high stress. About 10 years ago, needing to find a healthy outlet, I found art.
I started painting with acrylics and creating mixed media pieces. I am self-taught - lots of art books and Youtube.
Then I discovered alcohol inks about 6 years ago by coming across a Facebook post by Karen Walker and June Rollins.
I studied with both of them via online courses, eventually coming into my own style.
I later took courses with Sandy Sandy, Alexis Bonavitacola and Francine Dufour and Terri Jones. Hooked on inks, it is the primary medium I paint with today.
I still use acrylics, have ventured into encaustics and Pebeo and work to incorporate that with the ink in mixed media pieces.
A little over two years ago, I met a wonderful artist in my new hometown of Mount Dora, Bev Neal, and a new part of my life's journey began. She gave me an opportunity to have gallery space, launched me into the community during an art-walk,
and has been an avid cheerleader and advisor ever since. Bev kept asking, "Why don't you try to teach classes?"
Finally convinced to try, I started teaching my own unique style and holding weekly art classes. I found I love to teach and find a lot of fulfillment in this.
One of my favorites Quotes to live by:
So follow me to learn more about art classes, tips, trick, and techniques!
My Main Support
My business would not be successful without the support of Charles, my husband of 38 years.