Artist’s Statement: “I am essentially a self-taught artist. I grew up playing with my mother’s paints, who is a watercolorist. But I didn’t start my own serious, though playful exploration of my art until later in life. I was the writer in the family and have been a professional writer for most of my adult life. I discovered a real passion for painting only recently and don’t ever want to stop painting. It brings me great joy, a sense of release, and is a more physical endeavor than writing. I think color and design are important elements in my work. I primarily paint in acrylic, occasionally water color. I tend to flatten space, and view a space imaginatively rather than strictly as a representational rendering. I often paint rooms I know intimately, changing around pieces and colors. I also paint outdoor spaces, many times plein air and enjoy capturing cityscapes. I love to see an image through completion which brings me a sense of accomplishment. I think my paintings celebrate joy and beauty which I hope they bring to the viewer.”