Professional Organizations

Pittsburgh Society of Artists (PSA)

Member since 1989

South Hills Art League (SHAL)

Member since 1988

Board of Directors: 1989 - 1993,  2003-2006

President, 1992 - 1993

Education

I have been painting as long as I can remember and have been influenced by many artists. As I have changed over the years, so has my art. I initially started my career painting abstracts using many different types of mediums, including watercolors, acrylic, torn papers, pastels, colored pencils and pen and ink. I enjoyed seeing the different mediums come together in a type of story-telling, abstracted paintings. I then pursued my interest in photography, but with a twist, I hand-painted the photos. I loved the effect that the hand-painting had on the photograph. I also tried my hand at painting large, acrylic and pastel abstracts.

What I missed with my art was a connection with a life force. I found that connection with the animals that I now paint in pastels. I really enjoy taking a photograph of an animal and seeing it come to life with my pastels. My first paintings were of my own animals, both dogs and cats. I remember taking a photo of my golden retriever, Kayla, and painting a portrait of her just a few weeks before she passed on. Seeing her now in the portrait, brings to mind all the good times we had together.

I hope to continue to paint different and varied domestic animals in pastel. I also am expanding my animal paintings to include wild animals. I will be displaying these in the near future. I find such a deep satisfaction in rendering these beautiful creatures, both domestic and wild.

I show my art in coordination with several local art leagues throughout the Pittsburgh area. I have also sold my work at outdoor art shows in Pittsburgh and Uniontown, Pennsylvania and also Morgantown, West Virginia. I am grateful for the internet so that I can now show my work to the world. Also, I have been privileged to have some of my pet portraits auctioned off at different fund raising events to help raise money and interest for local animal shelters.

I hope the paintings that I do will bring great joy to those viewing them. Seeing the portraits that I have in my studio everyday brings me such happiness. These animals are such gifts to our lives, enriching them beyond our greatest expectations.

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Hand-painted Photography & Fine Art