I have taken up painting since retirement 12 years ago and, after trying several mediums,  I have come to enjoy oils as my favorite.  Because I like to paint thickly, I prefer painting with the palette knife.  There is so much versatility to loosely laying on color after color, emphasizing the basic shapes and texture.  But in recent years, I have tried to develop some skill with the brush which lends itself to more detail and precision. 

 Landscapes are my favorite, especially when I can paint outside, preferably in my own back yard.  But my husband, Bill, also built me a beautiful new studio, so I have also spent some time on still life, particularly in colder months.  I tend to paint on either canvases or Masonite, often made into box frames by Bill.  Together we take digital photos of these paintings from which he makes my prints and cards to sell.

 Over the years, I have taken a number of classes at Piedmont, McGuffey, Crozet Arts Center or Beverly Street Studio.  I’ve also very much enjoyed my time in plein air or life drawing groups, as well as painting with special artist friends.   For years I belonged to two local cooperative galleries – Art Upstairs and Bozart, both of which are now closed.  I have been fortunate to show my works in a number of local venues, too, and am pleased to have this opportunity to display my art.