Artist Statement: "A few strokes by her paint brush can capture for all time a poingnant moment, a daring lyricism, with the certitude of a poet's fine eye." Elizabeth Ann James, art critic. I realize through my experience painting landscapes, figures and still life that these genre compose the fabric of our lives. I struggle to capture the essence of each, which contributes to the fabric of our society. In painting urban and country vistas, I pait the ordinary and the historic places. The scene becomes important and poingnant, creating a memory. I like the dynamic tension created by these vivid contrasts in the way we live. When painting "plein aire", I visually listen to the landscape that surrounds me. Immersed in it, I become one with the landscape. Since I must manage the constantly changing light on a scene, I often start by painting quick oil sketches on board, canvas or paper to capture the light and provide a visual reference. My brush and palette knife move swiftly to capture the light across the composition. As the light changes, I complete one oil sketch and begin another. My sketches become the source for future paintings. Travel energizes me. I travel throughout Columbus and Ohio, searching for painting opportunities. I also paint scenes from my travels in North America and Europe. I learn from each painting that I create. My knowledge grows as I continue to study art at Columbus College of Art and Design and art history through participating in the Docent Program at the Columbus Museum of Art.