About
the Artist
I am a predominately self-taught artist who grew up in North Dakota. Inspired by my two older sisters, I spent hours and hours inside the warm house drawing. When I was very young, my sisters would draw tiny paper dolls for me and I'd play with them till they fell apart. I still remember the day, when they were too busy, and I was told to "go draw one yourself." As years went by, I spent more and more time drawing the dolls than actually playing with them. The process became more fun than the goal. And I guess that was the beginning of my love for drawing faces and figures.
I continued to draw, paint, and even sculpt through high school. Although I didn't pursue a career in art after graduating,
I did continue to draw whenever possible. Raising four kids supplied me with endless inspiration. I would often draw them when
they were asleep or from my favorite photographs. Through the years I used several mediums... acrylic, oils, pen and ink,
pencil and charcoal. But in 1992, I experimented with pastels and was amazed at how quickly I could bring a face to life with
this medium. I fell in love with them immediately.
After doing a family portrait for a friend, I began to get commissions for more portrait work. Within that next year, by word of mouth alone, I was commissioned to do over 80 portraits. I have taken a few pastel classes since then, but as most artists will tell you, most of what I learned has been from trial and error.
I have been doing professional portraits since 1993 and have also illustrated two children's books promoting adoption. I live and work in beautiful Northern Virginia and have been a member of the Prince William Art Society for many years.
Using only acid-free materials, I am committed to creating quality artwork that can be enjoyed for generations to come. It is my pleasure to capture the personality and likeness of my subject in fine portraiture.
Awards and Accomplishments
October 2009 –
First Place/Show – “Piece of Maria”
Honorable Mention – “Squeezebox”
LibertyTown Arts Workshop “About Face:
Portraits in all Media” Show
November 2006 -
Peoples' Choice - "Piece of Maria"
Prince William Art Society "In the Spirit" Art Show
December 2005 -
Peoples' Choice - "Lily" and "Screamin' John"
Manassas Art Guild "Let it Show" Art Exhibit
December 2005 -
Third Place - "Squeezebox"
Manassas Art Guild "Let it Show" Art Exhibit
December 2005 -
Honorary Mention - "Screamin' John"
Manassas Art Guild "Let it Show" Art Exhibit
November 2005 -
Elected Vice President
Prince William Art Society
December 2004 -
Best in Show - "Piece of Maria"
Manassas Art Guild "Let it Show" Art Exhibit
June 2004 -
1st Place/Show - "Jewel in the Sun"
Center for the Arts "Intrinsic Aesthetics" Show
May 2003 -
1st Place/Fine Art
PWAS "Outdoor Fine Ats & Crafts Show"
Nov 2002 -
Peoples' Choice - "Joshua Outside"
PWAS "Holiday Art Show"
May 2001 -
1st Place/Show - "Screamin' John"
PWAS "Home Is Where the HeART Is" Show
June 2000 -
Juried into Show - "Joshua Outside"
Reston League of Artists "8th Annual Exhibition"
April 2000 -
1st Place Graphics - "Screamin' John"
NVCC "Festival of Arts" Show
May 1997 -
Judge's Choice - "Quiet Moment"
WAG "Sensations" Art Show
May 1997 -
Judge's Choice - "Still Life with Red Pot"
WAG "Sensations" Art Show
May 1996 -
Merit Award - "Quiet Moment"
Prince William County Art Show
November 1995 -
Honorable Mention - "Rabbits at Rest"
WAG "Holiday" Art Show
November 1995 -
Honorable Mention - "Vegies I"
WAG "Holiday" Art Show
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