I was born in the mid-west but have lived in the Valley of the Sun for over 40 years so I consider myself practically a native! I have been an avid nature lover since I was a small child climbing the hills in my southern Indiana home and am constantly stimulated by the beauty I find there.

By age six I was making clothes for my doll and by age eight I was constantly at my mother's sewing machine designing clothes for myself and my sisters. I was always involved in crafts of one sort or another as well but never gave painting a thought until I met my husband, also a painter, 27 years ago and he told me he thought I would make a good artist. After one painting lesson with him I was hooked!

I took various art classes at Phoenix College, learned much by observation of other artists, and became, to a large degree, a self-taught painter. After several years of taking courses for fun I decided to pursue a degree in the field and graduated from ASU in 1998 with a BA in Studio Art. In 2006 I completed my MFA at Lacrosse University.

More than anything I am drawn to vibrant colors and intricate details and love to paint large flowers, catching a moment in time in the life of the blossoms. I also enjoy creating still life scenes and angels. I have worked in a variety of mediums, including oils, watercolor, colored pencils and photography. I love to hike the desert and the mountains and take hundreds of photos for my art work. I have done work for private collections and charitable causes as well.