Visual Language Magazine Interview

When did you realize you loved art and wanted to be ‘an artist’?

As a little girl I enjoyed drawing and coloring.  It was around middle school age when my art teacher encouraged me to enter one of my drawings in to the Cancer Society of America poster contest.  I won an award for a pen and ink drawing of a mother holding an infant child.  I remember receiving a ribbon on my first Faber Castell professional pen set! I would not return to my first love (art) until later in life at age 37. After reaching my career peak, I found myself searching for an outlet or hobby. At the age of 37 I returned to my first love (art) in the medium of Watercolor.

Who has been the greatest influence from your past to mentor you to this career?

First would be my family! I have been blessed to have a family of artist people around me. There was always sewing, drawing and writing surrounding me a as a child. next would be my first art workshop instructor who encouraged me to just paint and be myself and develop my own signature style.<

Who is your mentor today, or another artist you admire and why?

I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with  Dean Mitchell, Poncho Brown, Lydne Labonte and Sandy Meyer. All of these artists are master watercolorists and have taken the time to share, critique and nurture my development whenever I have sought their help and advice. To me this has been a priceless gift.

What is your favorite surface to paint on?  Describe it if you make it yourself.

Winsor Newton 300lb rough watercolor paper.

What brand of paint do you use?

Of course, Windsor Newton professional grade watercolor paints.

Do you have a favorite color palette?

I have a very brilliant color palette.
Almost every painting has Winsor Red, Cadmium Yellow, French Ultramarine Blue, Burt Sienna incorporated into it. With these colors I can create a mixture of just about any color I need.

What is your favorite color in your closet?

Chartreuse, next would be tangerine orange!
I’m a walking bold color palette!