About the Artist

I was born in a small to medium sized community in north central Indiana in the year of 1972. I grew. I went to school. I grew up. In 1990, I married my current husband. I have three children. Currently, I am working here at home being a mom and doing my art. I have been a member of the local art association since 2000, (wow! Time flies! :) I am currently splitting my time, artwise, between drawing in graphite and colored pencil and trying to learn watercolor.



About this site

I started putting my art on the web in the fall of 1999. Some of the first pieces I put on were drawings I already had from years prior. As I put them on, I thought, I really need to put up something more recent and began drawing more and more. Since then, the site has grown from a few pages on a free service to what it is now.



The Art

I started showing an interest in art as far back as I can remember, but a more serious interest occured in around fourth grade, in the form of a #2 pencil. In around the eighth grade, my mother signed me up for charcoal pencil lessons which led to oil painting. I was taught by a very talented man by the name of Mr. Rick Gonzolez, (forgive the spelling). My lessons ended after about a year and a half when my teacher moved out of town to a 'larger market'. I went to a local art studio for about three months after that, my new teacher and I never hit it off. That was the last of my art schooling. Ever since then, I have just done what I have done by instinct and perhaps those long forgotten lessons. I have a great desire to go to a real art school, but circumstances in my life have not allowed it. I am hopeful that some time in the future I will be able to fulfill that dream. *UPDATE* I have since reconsidered going to art school... having learned that individual creativity is often pushed to the back in order to drive the students towards doing "abstract" art, which is viewed by THEM as a more truer art form! I am very cynical about the art world and it's critics, however I am not here with my art to please the world, only myself and those who appreciate my particular slant.

As far as mediums go, I have dabbled with all kinds. From acrylics to testers model paints. From pastels to roller ball ink pens. Polymer clay, airbrush, water colors, computer art. I like to try about any medium at least once. If I like it, I do it again. I haven't tried to carve wood yet, which I'd like to do, nor have I done anything with metals. Of all the different types of tools I've used, the graphite pencil remains my steady stand-by. I like it the most because there is always one available, you can use it anywhere, and it can be used for sharp clear edges, with the point really sharp, or it can create very soft images, with the point blunted or laid on it's side. I think it is the most versitale tool in my arsinal.



The Subjects

Most of my art has tended toward animals. The very first really good piece I can remember doing was in the fifth grade of a crowned crane. I have always had an affinity with animals of all kinds. So, naturally animals would play a large part in my artistic influence. Animals inspire me as no other living thing does. I have dabbled around with portraits, and I have done quite a few scenic pieces, but over and over I return to the animals as a topic for my art. *UPDATE* As my children grow up, I find myself turning to children, also, as a source of inspiration. My own kids keep me on my toes and often in stitches, I can't help but want to capture some of that spirit in a drawing. So as I continue to grow in my art, I find that my art is growing as well... and so it tends towards animals and children. And I can't think of a better pair of topics for art than that. :)



The Credits

I would be remiss if I didn't give credit where credit's due.
First and foremost, I must credit this gift I have to God. For whatever reason in the Divine plan, God has placed this impunction within me to do what I do.
Secondly, I must thank my mother whom always encouraged me in everything I have ever turned my eye to. Whether it be my art, my writing, my singing, my huge book collection. She has always tried to give me the courage to follow my dreams. Without her, I would never have kept drawing, as even artistic muscles need to be worked or they will atrophy.
Thirdly, I would like to thank my husband whom has always been so supportive of me and my sometimes eccentric bahaviors. My eye for the beauty in even, what some people might consider, junk. (He knows I am talking about my broken down horse lamp I paid five dollars for at a consignment antique shop. :) ) He has the patience of a saint and whether he knows it or not, I am very appreciative of him and everything he has done to make life better for me, our children, and generally everyone who knows him. Thank you, sweetie!
And finally, but certainly not least.... all my friends who have given their constant support over the years through my ups and downs. Your support, friendship and love have given me the lift that I need more often that I should. My love and deep gratitude go to you....


In Conclusion

Well, that's really all there is to say about myself as far as my art goes. Art is something I am really passionate about. I surround myself with it, (really good buys at the local consignment shop and wonderful artwork from local artists), I wear it, (yes, I am tattooed), I like to try and create it. I hope you will enjoy my small sampling of art contained within this web site.