Artist Statement
The energies that I commit to my art flow naturally from feelings of purpose that result from painting. It is a joy for me to show my work and recognize the impact on others that my efforts produce. Just as important, the far more time-consuming creative and constructive process effect a calmness for me that is difficult to achieve in other parts of my life. It is always my hope that viewers of my work will be able to share in the sense of peace that was generated for me in its creation. This exchange is at the heart of my purpose in doing art.
There are a number of recurring elements in my work in recent years. I often seek uncommon combinations of materials and objects. This produces new and interesting possibilities for composition. For example, natural materials like flowers and fruits do not seem out of place with man made materials when the two cooperate in a flowing and decorative ensemble.
As important as composition is for executing a painting, color and light provide me with my primary medium of creative expression. It is in the rendering and placement of color that I find the most satisfaction. In my approach to still life painting, objects and materials are chosen basically for their ability to deliver a graceful presentation of colors. The interpretive and creative aspects of still life painting lie, for me, in the recognition within my environment of powerful combinations of color that will result from unusual combinations of objects and materials. It is on the levels of color in combination with a strong light and composition that I look to communicate with the viewer.
Painting is among the most meaningful activities in my life. It connects me to a vast number of people. I can communicate who I am through timeless works of art. For the viewer, I attempt to convey a spirit in my work that extends beyond any technical qualities. To the extent that I can be successful in the later, I am successful as a painter.
Exhibitions
- Illinois State Fair, Springfield, IL | First Place
- Watercolor Illinois, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL | Best of Show
- Survey of Contemporary Watercolor, SAA, Springfield, IL
- American Watercolor Society Show, New York, NY
- Watercolor USA, Springfield, MO |Winsor & Newton Award, Purchase Award
- Midwest Watercolor Society Show, Green Bay, WI
- National Watercolor Society Show, CA | Winsor & Newton Award
- "One Woman Show" Pellington Gallery, Columbus, OH
- "Two Woman Show"BAAC, Barrington, IL
- Illinois Woman Artists: The New Millenium
Publications
- American Artist Magazine, September 1987
- Watercolor 93, Spring Issue, American Artist Magazine
- The Artist's Magazine, September 1995
- The Best of Watercolor, Rockport Publishers
- The Best of Watercolor 2, Rockport Publishers
- Painting Color, Rockport Publishers
Collections
- Marine Bank, Springfield, IL
- Springfield Municipal Art Collection, Springfield, IL
- Magna Bank of Central Illinois, Decatur, IL
- Benedictine College, Naperville, IL
- Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
- Bank One, Springfield, IL
- Springfield Art Museum, Springfield, MO
- University of Wisconsin, Wausau, WI
- Simmons Cancer Institute, Springfield, IL
- Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL