About
When I was presented the opportunity to be part of an oil painting class over 30 years ago, I never dreamed how it would change my life. I had always loved painting and had taken a few lessons over the years, but when I started to paint every week and to really learn, it became a most important part of my life. Once I started painting I’ve never stopped. It’s simiply not a good day if I haven’t painted or at least taken time to think about and plan my next painting. That was the case even through the years that other things had to be of higher priority– such as rearing our two wonderful children and the years of working full time managing a sign business. Painting did, though, remain important. Now the children are grown, the sign business has been sold and my life has again been changed by another great opportunity. A studio at Sunset Galleries became available and I have been able to be part of a great group of artists there.
Through the years I have painted under several local artists and participated in numerous workshops taught by well known artists in Amarillo, Lubbock, Santa Fe and Taos. Of course, I’ve been most influenced by that first teacher and mentor, Lou Hansen. I still paint with Lou at least once a week.
Since moving to a studio at Sunset, I’ve enjoyed a good number of classes and workshops there at the Amarillo Art Institute. These workshops have been taught by well known artists from all over the country including Marilyn Yanke, Jack Sorenson, Cecy Turner, Cindy Roof, Beth Thomas and Julia McKee. I’ve learned much from each of these artists as well as from the other workshop participants. The more exposure to other artists, the better!
Having lived most of my life in Amarillo, I have also enjoyed considerable time in the Taos, Santa Fe and Angel Fire areas of New Mexico. These places overflow with scenes that inspire my paintings. I especially love painting adobe buildings just for the pleasure of mixing and painting with all of the beautiful colors seen in adobe.