Recording my impressions through photos and painting was intriguing

from an early age.  With few resources in my small hometown I drew

often, sometimes using colored pencils over watercolor.  College teachers

encouraged an exciting free approach with watercolor that led me to

lifelong  artistic experimentation.

     A number of my favorite watercolors on paper were completed in short 

focused sessions.  However, the paintings that were difficult to finish in

the  same spirit led to experimenting with watercolor on acrylic primed 

surfaces.  Long before absorbent boards and canvases were available I 

discovered that adding marble dust to white paint created surfaces that

accepted watermedia in interesting ways and could be used like an eraser

to let images evolve.  Also, painting large watercolors varnished with clear

acrylic avoided the use of heavy reflective glass.

     My 48"x30" watercolor LILIES was painted on acrylic primed board 

using drops of water and dashes of salt for special textures.  DUNE GRASS,

48"x30"  watercolor on gessoed board was modified with white paint

added to watercolor.  COUNTRYSIDE GARDEN was painted with watercolor 

on an 18"x24" stretched canvas.

     Later I began painting smaller when I realized that painting outdoors

was a richer experience-- I could see more colors,  feel the environment and

be inspired by painting with other artists.  Now, while enjoying painting on

site,  I have once again begun experimenting with watercolor combined with 

acrylic mediums on gesso primed surfaces for unique textures and unusual

colors (Daniel Smith Primatek mineral watercolors).  CYCLAMEN, 12"x12" .

     Always inspired by outdoor scenes and growing things,  I want to share

the sense of life and joy I feel through the spontaneous nature of water and

paint.  My painting is a celebration of our precious environment, an act of

mindfulness and a poem of gratitude.   Discovering ways to express this is

my journey.