|
While growing up in Oregon, I particularly liked two things. I loved animals, because we seemed to always have pets at home. I also loved doing any kind of art work. When I was young, it was always a goal of mine to complete my school work quickly, so I could coerce the teachers into letting me draw, paint, or build something. Although I had a few detours along the way, I eventually obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Oregon. My focus has been drawing and painting ever since. My primary interest after my schooling was going into the landscape and recording what I saw. This is an amazing experience, and one I still love to do. As I honed my skills in this area, I exhibited my landscapes in galleries and juried exhibitions throughout the Northwest.
Not until I began teaching art and media skills in an elementary school did I become really interested in Children’s book illustrations. I eventually changed my focus from landscape painting with pastels to illustrating with watercolor, gouache, and ink. My images are now very gestural and loose, quite unlike my landscape work. However, the key difference between the two types of work is the emphasis I’ve placed on animals. Previously animals were part of the landscape, now they are my main focus. I love to create an idea of ordinary characters in humorous and unusual circumstances. To date, I have illustrated a number of Children’s books, but I also enjoy commission work, gallery work, and the development of my own card line.
The best part of all of this work is the process of using my imagination, and expertise, to create images on a blank sheet of paper. It is a gift I appreciate everyday.
• Awards & Education
|
|
|
