Artist's Perspective
PORTRAITS
"I could hardly believe my own eyes when the children began to emerge from the canvas. This was my first attempt to paint people. I was very comfortable with apples and pears but I never even tried painting people. My son said, ‘Mom, you need to start painting again.’ He bought some paints and brushes for me and, so as not to hurt his feelings, I tried to paint from a photo of my grandchildren. Not expecting much, I was shocked when they not only looked like children, but looked like those particular children. I decided I had better get some instruction. Fortunately I was able to get into a workshop with Michael Shane Neal, one of this country’s best portrait artists. With his instruction and encouragement I learned to capture the personality of my subjects. That was ten years ago and I still feel a thrill when the person begins to emerge from the canvas."LANDSCAPES
"Have you ever been struck by a moment of exquisite beauty, a moment that stops you in your tracks and causes you to say, ‘Ohhh....thank you, God!’ And has that moment stayed with you and enriched your life? These are the moments and scenes that cry out to be captured on canvas. And whenever you look at them they bring a smile to your memory."PLEINAIR PAINTING
Painting outside with friends is the most enriching experience an artist can have. Whether it’s a cold drink after a day in the hot sun, or laughing at the floppy straw hat and ear muffs on my friend on a bitterly cold day, or laughing as my husband swats at flies that continue to interrupt his leisurely reading, I will always cherish these times.
Pleinair painting has helped me to see better and paint faster. The sun won’t wait for me to get that shadow just right. As long as I can drag my arthritic body out there, I will continue to paint in ‘pleinair’."
STILL LIFE
"There are places in our minds that call forth a scene. It may be a moment during childhood when you felt totally cherished by someone and it made you light up inside. And every time you see that scene, or one similar, you feel that love again. For me it was lying with my head on my grandmothers’ lap and all was right with my world. Every time the light falls across the Victorian loveseat in a certain way I relive that moment. Fresh eggs in a basket on the table or a vase of yellow roses make me remember warm summers and a visit to the farmers market. We are blessed to be able to return to those places in our memory."