En plein air painting defines my style. Several characteristics contribute to the distinctive beauty of painting outdoors. Pieces are smaller to capture a scene in one session. Time constraints in a changing environment cause them to lack extensive detail, so they appear slightly fuzzy or unfinished. Further, they tend to have a freshness and spontaneity which makes them impossible to compare to studio work. I consider this to be the adventure side of art, combining characteristics of camping and the influence of the elements to create a thing of beauty.

Painting both en plein air and alla prima, which roughly translates to 'in one layer,' capture my imagination with a challenging, guerrilla-style painting method that is both close to nature as well as in the thick of the environment.

My pieces tend to impart a mood well before imparting any detail. They are soft and delicate, often called pretty.

I saw my first tree when I was a Senior at Wofford College, the result of a required art class outside of my Science majors. Transformed, I then redirected to balance Art and Biochemistry over the coming years. Graduate work at the University of Richmond in Humanities and Art History gave me the proper foundation for further studies, while local artist instructors continue to share their passion. First a watercolorist, woodworker, and quilter, I now paint in soft pastel, oil, and mixed media. My joy is working en plein air and I see trees regularly now.

Although I grew up in the Mid-West and South, I have lived in lush Virginia for over 20 years. An award-winning artist, I appreciate the variety of opportunities Northern Virginia affords the creative mind. In addition to painting, I enjoy being active in the Arts locally, from belonging to and volunteering with many societies to spending time in the schools and teaching the Boy Scout Art Merit Badge.

Please see my art blog, Potomac Artworks, where I tell stories about my paintings and their locations. My prize from a contest, check out my Infinity Art Gallery website. Also visit my larger online gallery, which has a "Works Available" folder in development with painting details. Because I primarily paint plein air, I naturally opted out of a formal studio at the Workhouse, however, many of my paintings are set to travel and I am happy to do an individual or group trunk show. Please inquire about joining my mailing list for occasional show information.

See my resume for my list of shows and other art-related activities.Contact me directly anytime and sincere thanks for stopping by.