About the ArtistI'm a self-taught artist and began my artistic career in July
2004, right after I married my husband. He helped inspire
me to take the plunge into a new career. The first couple
of years were spent teaching myself about my chosen
medium, as well as techniques, color theory, values, and
composition. My learning came by way of art books and
through online art forums where I sought out artists whom
I admire for advice.
Having worked as a researcher for 10 years for companies
such as Research Triangle Institute and Duke University,
I tend to be detail oriented - which is reflected in my paintings.
After using my analytical side in research for so long, I found
myself craving to let the creative side of me free, thus began
my journey as an artist.
I choose to work primarily with colored pencils (although I also
dabble in pastels). I love to achieve a high level of detail and
realism in my artwork and have found professional grade
colored pencils to be the ideal medium for that type of work.
Additionally, I am now experimenting in two new mediums - oil
paints and scratch board.
Animals, wildlife, and Christian themes are my main subjects.
Having raised animals all of my life, I can never stray far from
painting furry and feathered creatures. However, I do enjoy
painting the occasional portrait, especially of family and friends.
In addition, I paint soldier portraits for families who have
lost military members in either Iraq or Afghanistan, and
sometimes I offer my artwork to fundraisers for a good cause,
such as raising money for my local animal shelter.
My deepest concern as an artist, however, is how to use my art
to honor and glorify the One who gave me this ability. I am a person
who is deeply devoted to God. I believe that God blesses all of us
with abilities and talents that we are to use for His honor and glory,
and that is what I attempt to do with my artwork. I also hope to inspire
people to think about their faith and their relationship with God through
my art, drawing them closer to the Lord in the process.
Artist's Tools and Style
What is an artist without their tools? My preferred tools of choice are
professional artist grade colored pencils, mostly Prismacolor Premier
and Derwent Coloursoft. I frequently use Neocolor II and Derwent
Watercolor pencils for my backgrounds. The reason for my use of
pencils, as opposed to brushes, is control. With pencils, I feel more
in control of the fine details in a painting, which is essential in realistic
art.
My favorite surfaces to work on are Ampersand Pastelbord and Art
Spectrum Colourfix sanded paper. When painting animals I often choose
suede board which produces a lovely soft look, which I think suits most
animals.
Personal
When I'm not painting, I can usually be found with my camera in hand,
stalking animals for more reference shots. I'm often searching gardens
and pastures for ideal landscape and floral shots, or at a cat, dog, or horse
show. Time away from my art is usually spent with my cats, reading or
spending time with my family. I live in Shiloh, NC with my husband
Warren, my brother Donald, and a varied collection of
cats who have chosen to live with us and who tolerate our presence within
their home: Mischief, Treat, Tooki, Tony, our newest addition Tooter, and
our adopted neighboring cat Mufasa.
Classes Taught
Basic Drawing I
Basic Drawing II
Drawing Workshop for Children
Professional Organization Memberships
CPSA - Colored Pencil Society of America
Arts of the Albemarle Gallery
League of Animal Artists
Gallery Representation
Arts of The Albemarle Gallery, Elizabeth City, NC
Features
Featured Artist, Colored Pencil Art Magazine.
Featured Demo Artist, Arts of The Albemarle Gallery, Elizabeth City, NC.
Shows & Exhibitions
Faces of Love at the Arts of The Albemarle Gallery. 40% of the total sales of art
items at this show went directly to the local Pasquotank Animal Shelter, Elizabeth City, NC
North Carolina State Fair Juried Professional Art Exhibition, Raleigh, NC
Chowan County Fair, Edenton, NC
Featured artist - IBX Arts website (month of September)
Landmark Juried Art Exhibition, Arts of The Albemarle Gallery, Elizabeth City, NC
International Christian Art Competition, Morning Devotions
Starving Artists Art Show, Arts of the Albemarle Gallery, Elizabeth City, NC
Starving Artists Art Show, Arts of the Albemarle Gallery.
Regional Juried Art Show, The Art of Colored Pencils, Gallery 297, Bristol, RI
Landmark Juried Art Show, Pasquotank Arts Council, Elizabeth City, NC
Solo show at Muddy Waters Coffeehouse, Elizabeth City, NC
Solo show at Page After page Bookstore, Elizabeth City, NC
Art display at the Pasquatank Arts Council, NC
Spring in Bloom Art Show, PAC, NC
Landmark Juried Art Exhibition, Pasquatank Arts Council, NC
