I have had a very strong life-long interest in art. Drawing and sketching were favorite activities as a child, and led me to choose a major in fine arts when I entered college. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University.
Marriage and a family did not prevent me from taking private classes and striving to improve my skills. I enrolled in life classes at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, informal life drawing sessions at Kalamazoo College, and private studies in portrait and still life. During those years I worked in charcoal, oil and pastel.
In 1980 I made a decision to focus on my favorite medium, pastel. I also took a new direction in subject matter, and began concentrating on landscapes. I believe my years of work in portrait and figure have given me a sound grounding in draftsmanship, which is very helpful.
In 1983 I gathered together a group of fellow artists in Western Michigan also working in pastel, and we formed the Kalamazoo Area Pastel Society. I served as president the first year, and have been very active in this organization since. It was through K.A.P.S. that we were able to bring Albert Handel and Ben Konis to Kalamazoo for inspiring workshops. We also held workshops with talented local, nationally known artists such as Larry Blovits and David Small.
I have been accepted into many competitions, and won a number of prizes. In 1988 I won the VanFulpen award, a competition designed to accompany the Flowerfest Celebration held each July in kalamazoo. My painting was used to produce 500 limited edition prints which have sold very well both locally and out of town.
I find Michigan a rich source for landscape subject matter. The changing seasons and the many lakes offer no end of beautiful views. I produce about 40 paintings each year, sometimes more. The pastel medium is perfect for my work, and offers constant variety in the choice of supports and varying techniques. I plan to continue working and growing in my art and my enjoyment of it.