I am a plein air painter whose choice of medium is soft pastels. I am fortunate to have two homes: Bend located in Central Oregon in what is called the “high desert” and Paris, France. Different beauty but colorful, scenic, and both so very inspirational.

Plein air means painting outdoors as practiced by the early “Masters” such as Monet and his era. To be a plein air painter means having a small window of time to study your subject and capture it’s feeling. With the light changing, the shadows
moving, and the possibility of the weather changing you must work quickly. To me these are good things, no chance to overwork or deaden a painting, it must be done quickly which often creates more emotion in the work. I have studied with Richard McKinley, Albert Handell,  Marla Baggetta and Diane Townsend.

In August of 2010 along with 3 other artists, I became a partner in the Red Chair Gallery in downtown Bend. Our idea was for local artists to have a place to show and sell their art. We now have approximately 26 “member” artists who have a permanent gallery to show “Fine Art and Contemporary Craft" as our tag line reads.

I have been a board member of the Plein Air Painters of Oregon from 2009 thru 2011.

AWARDS: 

2011  The National Forest Service Paint Out Competition
"Artist's Choice" award

2010  Show hosted by The Plein Air Painters of Oregon
2nd place