I grew up in the country near a small town in Iowa. My natural surroundings were a great source of inspiration.
I was particularly interested in drawing people and animals. The more challenging the subject, the more passionate I became. One of my first subjects was a horse from a professional breeding facility.
The drawings below are remnants from my "earlier years" my Mom saved. She claims the one at 3 1/2 years was a self-portrait so apparently I had an issue with my ears at the time....I'm glad my Mom saved these so I can look back and laugh!
I was enrolled in art classes during school and over the summers. My high school art teacher, Kay Ward, was very supportive and graciously allowed me access to the art rooms during study-hall, after school and on weekends.
One of my most influential art instructors was Pauli Zmolek, who instructed me over two summers. We focused on still life, portraitures and I was introduced to the technique of drawing upside down. I continued my education through college and enjoy other hobbies such as carving, sculpting, crochet and sewing.
My fulltime career for the last several years has been in the real estate and property management business industries but I always make time for art. I live in Iowa with my husband, Greg, and our two "kids," Tess and Mandi.
My motto: "A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour."
