I have never considered myself artistic until I received a set of colored pencils for a Christmas gift in 1999. Mostly self-taught,
for two years I was just experimenting at home drawing flowers and birds. In 2001, I started taking classes at the LaGrange Art League to hone my skills using colored pencils and an abstract style started to emerge in my artwork.
I began working with water based oil paints a few years later and throughout the years have taken oil painting classes at the LaGrange Art League under the tutelage of Phyllis DeSio, Sally Salvato, Jacque France, Jim Swanson and Laureen Dunne, at DuPage Art League with Marge Hall, at Oak Park Art League with Rick Smith, and at McCord Gallery and Cultural Center with Liz Wall.
In 2008 I was commissioned to create artwork for a hair salon. The salon’s owner wanted a metallic look in the paintings. I found that fluid acrylics had the metallic colors I needed that were suitable for fine art. This started my journey into creating acrylic pour paintings, which at the time I didn't know of any other artist using this method.
I have been an instructor at the LaGrange Art League the past three years teaching my method of creating abstract art using the pour technique using fluid acrylics. I also demonstrate this technique at various art leagues throughout the Chicago area.
Organizations:
LaGrange Art League member, 2000-present
Elmhurst Artists' Guild member, 2017
President - LaGrange Art League, 2013-2016
Vice-President - LaGrange Art League, 2011-2013
Gallery Chairperson - LaGrange Art League, 2001-2009
Alliance of Fine Art - Assistant Director for two years and a LaGrange Art League delegate for four years
Former Member of DuPage Art League, Naperville Art League, McCord Gallery and the Colored Pencil Society
