About the ArtistI 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
Featured artist - IBX Arts website (month of September)
Landmark Juried Art Exhibition, Arts of The Albemarle Gallery
International Christian Art Competition
Morning Devotions
Starving Artists Art Show, Arts of the Albemarle Gallery.
2007
Starving Artists Art Show, Arts of the Albemarle Gallery.
Regional Juried Art Show, The Art of Colored Pencils, Gallery 297, Bristol, RI
Curiosity
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
2006
Spring in Bloom Art Show, PAC, NC
Landmark Juried Art Exhibition, Pasquatank Arts Council, NC