Artist Bio

Original fine art paintings inspired by nature, life experiences and travel.

     Putting brush to canvas has always felt natural to me, as if it were something I was destined to do. I primarily work with oils and acrylics, focusing mainly on landscapes and still lifes today.

     As a teenager, I was greatly influenced by Caravaggio and other Italian masters. I spent countless hours studying their paintings, captivated by Caravaggio’s use of chiaroscuro and his dramatic poses. My admiration for these Italian masters drew me to the charm of Europe, especially Italy.

     After a significant change in my life, I landed a job teaching art on a cruise line. Little did I know how much this ‘job’ would enrich my life! Since then, I’ve traveled the world by sea, teaching art classes, lecturing, and demonstrating to travelers while continuing to paint. My travels have taken me to places I had only dreamed of, filling me with gratitude and creative inspiration.

     This new adventure of teaching while traveling gave me the confidence to realize that I could become the artist I’ve always aspired to be. I’ve found renewed strength and courage, unafraid to explore uncharted waters both within myself and around the world. I completed my last voyage in 2015 and returned home to Sarasota, Florida, to focus solely on painting and teaching on dry land. I am currently working on a series of paintings inspired by my travels and planning to write a book.

     Learning from other cultures and connecting with new people, some of whom have become lifelong friends, has helped me grow and understand that we all share similar desires. No matter where we live, we each want what is best for our families, our countries, and ourselves. My travels renewed my spiritual connection to a Creator who loves us enough to design a new sunset every day, with ever-changing colors for our enjoyment. My studio overlooking the ocean constantly provided new material to paint for my students and me.
Wherever we docked, I would head straight to the museums and streets, eager to see the art I had only seen in books. Some museums required more than one visit because once was not enough. I also explored markets, parks, and old buildings. Once, I visited an old bank and discovered they had a Caravaggio painting on display! Walking down streets, I imagined who had walked there before me, touched the same walls, and tripped over the same cobblestones. It was thrilling to think that these places were once graced by the likes of Da Vinci, Tintoretto, Michelangelo, and, of course, Caravaggio.

      I love painting landscapes because they tell a story. Landscapes continually change, with the same scene taking on different moods at different times of the day due to the changing light. I seek to capture that in my paintings. This is why I enjoy painting on location, en plein air, as it allows me to experience the scene as it happens — to witness the light, colors, and feel of the place. I also take dozens of photos to use as references when I’m back in the studio. Combined with my vivid memories, these photos often inform my paintings.