As a child my drawings were detailed, but typical for my age. I was unusual in that I was gifted with an insatiable drive to draw and to do it well. By the time I was through high School, my only goal was to be an artist, nand I was already accomplished in portrait pencil drawing from life. I was educated in graphic design, in SpokaneWA and later worked in a design studio in Phoenix AZ producing line art for ads. I have stayed with portraiture since my youth because it is never boring and always rewarding. With the simple combination of time, focus, and simple art materials, I have captured the charm of a child, the spark of personality in a mom or dad, or that individual look of a beloved pet. I began working in pastels in q988 and it is my main medium for portraiture, although I have since been trained in oil portraiture. I was married in 1997 to a rancher. I was surrounded by the ranching culture, and it showed in my artwork, and even in my portrait paintings. We left the ranch in 2014. Since moving ot Buffalo WY where my husband started logging in the Big Horn Mountains, much of my inspiration has been the majestic mountain scenery and abundant wildlife that surrounds me. The native american dancers, in their colorful regalia at the local and regional dances that take place here have also inspired several of my works. my goal as an artist has always been to define what I see as beauty, and find a way to call attention to God's masterpiece that surrounds us. I am an artist simply because it fascinates me and that paint , pencil, or pastes, when skillfully applied to a two dimensional surface, can cause our eyes to see depth, atmosphere, sunlight, life and even the nuances of facial expression that make each of us unique. I plan to produce more work focusing on native American dancers. in my early childhood, I was exposed to the Native American culture, having lived inLodge Grass MT, a little town on the Crow reservation. I am especially drawn to the children's faces surrounded by the flowing movements of the feathers and colors they wear, as well as the cultural heritage that is behind all the visual excitement. I also plan to paint more of the stunning landscapes this area has to offer, but portraiture will remain my speciality.