While attending school for advertising design, I fell into magazine publishing jobs, working as a paste-up artist (pre-computer days),proofreader and production manager. This later lead to working in NYC for Time Inc. working on People, Sports Illustrated and Time Magazines in Ad Production.
A merge with Warner Brothers and a severance package opportunity led me to get my Masters Degree in Art Education, with the following years teaching others to develop their art skills and talents.
A night class in pastel portraiture ignited my own passion for the medium and self-expression that continues to this day.
My interest in capturing my love for animals with the expressive medium of pastel led to early art awards, beginning with my own calico cat "Mowie." Commissions from friends soon followed and I seriously embraced the responsibility of painting memorial pet portraits for animals that were once beloved members of families.
When not painting these commissions, I experiment with acrylics and oils, painting plein aire, still life and anything else that captures my imagination. Somehow I'm always called back to painting in pastel and capturing the living spirit within animals and yes, even people....especially the beautiful spirits of children.
I am currently a member of the Pastel Society of America, the Pastel Society of North Carolina, the Chatham Arts Guild, Fearrington Artists and the Fine Art League of Cary.
You can find me amongst the inspiring wildlife in Pittsboro, NC with my wonderful husband and our mischievous bichon frise Summer.
