I am always so delighted when I see wildlife in nature. It thrills me actually! I aspire to create a mood in my paintings that allow the viewer to experience that same delight. I want to give them a sense of really being there live in the moment, putting them in thrill mode too!I grew up in Wisconsin and was often found out in nature camping, canoeing, hiking and biking. I started drawing nature at an early age and went on to Major in Art at the University of Wisconsin. I also majored in Nursing and had a successful career as a nurse eventually becoming a Director. I retired early so I could paint, which was and is my first love.

After living in Naples, Florida for almost 40 years, we moved to Maryville, Tennessee! We are officially now “halfbacks” and nature is just as thrilling here as in Wisconsin and Florida.I usually try to work from my own photographs along with some on-site sketching and observations when I go out into nature. This helps me create realistic compositions and themes for my work. My medium is an acrylic and gouache paint mixture which I apply to a smooth prepared Masonite board. I place many transparent layers of washes over opaque layers to build the colors, textures and details I need to create the realistic approach I love.