It all begins with an idea.

As a child, a simple colouring book would keep me engaged for hours. I was never interested in “ the lines” but what I would see when I was done. Through the teens, I learned to sew clothes so what I wore was what I wanted to “see” on me.

During the next few years I was devising modular furniture (before Ikea was a common word), focusing on interior design and renovating homes - repeating the desire to create my vision.

As my interest in gardening and landscape design evolved, I took a botanical drawing course and I have never looked back. Drawing, painting with watercolour, acrylic and oil, and printmaking were all to become new tools in my artistic journey.

It continues with an energy.

As an emerging artist I strove to accomplish markers. Becoming a signature member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour (C.S.P.W.C.) and the Society of Canadian Artists (S.C.A.) validated my self measures of technique development.

Then, after successfully having a solo exhibition and the following “what do I create next” depression, I journeyed into arts volunteering and became a board member of both organizations. I enjoyed my full terms in these national organizations concluding with my Presidency with the C.S.P.W.C.

Then I discovered printmaking.

That started another wonderful journey. Sharing the vision of a public printmaking studio, Colina Maxwell and I created The Print Studio (now Centre 3) in Hamilton, Ontario when no one believed we would succeed. From bare walls to a fully operating studio, gallery and teaching centre, I was developing marketing concepts, teaching, curating exhibitions, grant writing and all the bits in between. This period was fun.

For twenty years I worked to help others succeed. Now having moved back to my hometown of Ottawa ten years ago, I have been free to continue my artistic journey.

I continue to work in oils and acrylics but still sometimes uncover my press to remind myself of the joy in mark making on paper.

Realism, expressionism and abstraction all joined together over the past 25 years, giving me free rein to dance to the artistic mood of the moment.

I have shown in many exhibitions over the years, and now have art owned and hung across our provinces and in many countries. That makes me smile.

It succeeds with a sharing.

Please let me know if you are interested or have comments.

I currently live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and am a member of the Enriched Bread Artists group where my studio is.