A Painter's Journey

When I was a child, I loved color. With a mother who was an educator and a sister (15 years my senior) studying to be a teacher, I was introduced to the latest educational trends. At that time, coloring books were OUT, and plain paper with crayons, paints, or markers were the "IN" trend.

My mother and sister would boast that I had never had a coloring book until I started kindergarten. Once there, my mother was called in to see my kindergarten teacher because my teacher was quite concerned that I seemed to be having trouble "coloring within the lines." My mother thought this was quite funny, as I had just won a local painting contest.

Having a professional artist as an aunt was an added bonus. She would come over to the house and we would paint for hours upon hours. I loved the smell of the oil paint, the feel of the brush on the canvas, and all those colors!

I was also a very good (young) violinist and, as my musical talent grew, my painting aspirations faded. The paint tubes dried up as I spent longer hours in the practice room. My attraction to color never faded, but eventually I went on to music and ended up making a living as a professional musician.

Nevertheless, I continued to have a tremendous appreciation for art, visiting galleries and the museum when there were special exhibits. It wasn't until a few years ago after an evening at a "paint and partake" class that I discovered I really enjoyed it and was doing better than most.

After extensive research, I enrolled in an art program in Atlanta. This was no ordinary program; it was serious and much like enrolling in art school. My knowledge and understanding of the elements of art — composition, expression, etc. — continues to inspire me. As my skill has increased, so have my art tools. I am using high quality heavy-bodied acrylics and oils, brushes from England, and an army of palette knives.

My desire is to bring joy and beauty to my viewing audience. Bright, vivid colors are not only beautiful, but create energy and happiness.