Thank you for visiting my website. I am a Calgary artist who is addicted to colour and nature. When I was very young, my artistic grandmother taught me to paint a perfect apple in oil…and I was hooked. Art has been very important to me throughout my life. I am inspired by many artists; however, if I had to choose, Vincent Van Gogh is my favourite. I have studied his work for years, and recently I had the great fortune to see a large display of his works in Paris. I love his use of color, bold lines and his exquisite brush strokes; I also find his biography to be fascinating.
The disinhibited and honest artwork of children also inspires me and I tend to have a youthful and whimsical approach. My mental health vocation has provided me the opportunity to work with talented and artistic individuals who suffer from mental health disorders; I am fascinated by the links between creativity and mental health. Drawing, painting, music and drama are wonderful therapeutic tools.
I use a unique blend of charcoal with layers and layers of lively colorful acrylic glazes and washes. Charcoal is lovely and I usually allow some of it to peak through the layers of color; I also enjoy the look of brush strokes and I experiment with various brush techniques to add to the interest and depth of my paintings. I appreciate the versatility of acrylics and how the paint can be thin and translucent or thick and globby; I often add items to create sparkle, grit or texture. My signature designs are trees with layers and layers of wonky 3D square brush leaves. Cheerful folksy streetscapes are also found in my collection.
Much of my art is inspired in and around my neighborhood, while on long walks with my dog, Jasmine. Everything I create is based on reality but it usually has an extra zing of color and emboldened clean lines. Although I appreciate moodier and darker art, I am driven to produce work, which represents how I see the world, and it is a very bright and lively place.
Writing has also been a creative outlet for me and I am presently developing a blog page to add to my website; soon I will be adding regular posts about the world of art.
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
~ Pablo Picasso
