Art has been a main thread throughout my life. It wove through years of clothing design, interior design and resulted in the development of oil painting. When I started painting, it became a passion. Mixing colors and creating a painting was more exciting. I love patterns of reflected light, subtle nuances of color. I am always looking for new ways to express my perceptions and feelings.
I grew up in a small Amish town in Indiana. Sometimes I find myself being drawn back to barns, farm animals and hay bales. Painting them takes me back home. The colors of the farmland in the Spring, the smell of fresh hay, brings the desire to paint it all.
I have traveled throughout Europe painting a totally different scene, vineyards and small villages, but there is no place like home. I have studied in Taos, Santa Fe, Scottsdale and Europe. I have been influenced by many great teachers, but I am still in awe of the great masters.
As in design work, I enjoy all styles of painting, still life with brilliant colors, flowers with a palette knife and large mixed media.
My paintings hang in many collectors homes as well as corporate offices. I have won many awards for my work, which I am very grateful. As a former owner of two art galleries, I had little time to paint, but I am now teaching and painting full time.
My desire is to touch the hearts of those that see my work and to influence and encourage those that love to paint as much as I.