Reflections From Life

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About the Artist

I worked as a researcher for 10 years for companies such as Research
Triangle Institute and Duke University, before moving to Shiloh, NC
where I have now lived since 2004. Such work gave me a desire for details

and, after ten years, a strong desire to use my creative side more than my

logical, analytical side. Thus, I was ready for my journey as an artist to begin.

I'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.

Artist's Statement

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.

Animals, wildlife, portraits, 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, hopefully 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, or mediums if you

will, are professional artist grade colored pencils, mostly Prismacolor and Derwent,

plus watercolor pencils, pastel pencils, and soft pastels. 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.

In addition, when painting animals I often choose suede board as my surface of

choice, and occasionally, velour board. This produces a lovely soft look, which I

think suits most animals. Other preferred surfaces to work on are Ampersand

Pastelbord, Art Spectrum Colourfix, and Wallis. I am also experimenting with Uart

and Multimedia Artboard.

Personal
When I'm not painting, I can usually be found with my camera in hand,
stalking animals for more reference shots, 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 playing with my cats or
spending time with my family. I live in Shiloh, NC with my husband
Warren, my son Andrew, 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

other assorted furry critters.

Professional Organization Memberships
CPSA - Colored Pencil Society of America

Arts of the Albemarle Gallery
League of Animal Artists

Artistic Pet Portraits & Animal Art Webring

Shows & Exhibitions

2009

North Carolina State Fair Juried Professional Art Exhibition, Raleigh, NC

Equine Bling and Pinky & Rosie

Chowan County Fair, Edenton, NC

Jessica - first place Colored Pencil Portraits

Treat - first place Colored Pencil Animals

Golden Dream Carousel Horse - first place Mixed Media