Many years ago, I did a digital painting that depicted a person experiencing a migraine. I have suffered from migraines most of my life so this was very personal for me. It won an award from the National Headache Foundation of Chicago.

Over the years, I have been influenced by contemporary artists such as Richard Diebenkorn, Nathan Olivera, Franz Klein, Joan Mitchell, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Cy Twombly to name a few.

 

I am an abstract expressionist and work very intuitively using color, text and collage to expose what is raw and authentic for me emotionally. I paint with acrylics on both canvas and paper, working layer upon layer, always listening to music. I often rotate the canvas as I go until I’m happy with the progression. I make a point to let go of critical thinking, preferring to let my subconscious run the paintbrush.

Before I focused soley on abstracts, I used to paint both animals and still life. One of the first paintings I sold was a commission of a dog. I absolutely love dogs so painting them came naturally for me. In fact, Abby Creek Studios is named after my first beloved dog, Abby.

I usually work on at least 4 paintings at the same time. I find that switching back and forth keeps my energy going and my ideas develop and expand as I move from one canvas to another. It’s almost as if each canvas is talking to the other.

My paintings refect a desire to have a voice in the world when finding words to express myself doesn’t always come easy. I am constantly searching for the “lightness of being”…the ability to overcome fear and pain and transcend to a better place. Light vs darkness, fulfllment vs loss, tranquility vs anger are all essential elements in my work.

My husband and I moved to Colorado from Northern California in 1997. We love Boulder and feel so happy and lucky to live here. I spend my creative work days in a studio adjacent to my home. The incredible colors, light and textures of the landscape here always inspire me and influence my work. We love to travel and hike in the mountains  with our Dutch Shepherd, Maisie.

2017 – Water and Sky Exhibition – BG Gallery, Santa Monica, California

2017 – Abstract Sanctuary Exhibition – Verum Ultimum Gallery, Portland, Oregon

2016 – FEARLESS Exhibition – Courthouse Art Center, Woodstock, Illinois

2016 – Mixed Media Exhibition – Royal Contemporary Gallery, Florence, Colorado

2016 – The Living Mark Exhibition – Verum Ultimatum Gallery, Portland, Oregon

2016 – Mixed Media Exhibition/Auction – ARTMA, Morgan Adams Foundation, Denver, Colorado

2016 – National Abstract Art Exhibit – 101 Abstract & Non-figurative Works iArtBook – Art Has No Borders, Montecito, California

2015 – Small Works Exhibition – Limner Gallery, Hudson, New York

2015 – Mixed Media Exhibition – CORE New Art Space, Denver, Colorado

2015 – Painting Exhibition – Flow Art Space, St. Paul, Minnesota

2015 – Solo Abstract Exhibit – Settembre Winery, Boulder, Colorado

2015 – Abstract Exhibit – Seattle Design Center, Seattle. Washington

2015 – Solo Abstract Exhibit – Walnut Cafe, Boulder, Colorado

2014 – Mixed Media Exhibition – Evergreen Artists’ Association, Evergreen, Colorado

2014 – Art Exhibition/Auction – ARTMA – Morgan Adams Foundation – Broomfield, Colorado

2012 – Solo Exhibit – Abstract Paintings – University of Denver, Denver, Colorado

2012 – Exhibit – Abstract Paintings – The Collection, Denver, Colorado

2011- Solo Exhibit – Abstract Paintings – Tennyson Art District – Denver, Colorado

2008- Exhibit – Northern Colorado Artist Association – Fort Collins, Colorado

2007 – National Exhibit – Northern Colorado Artist Association – Fort Collins, Colorado

2007 – National Best of Award – “Best of American Pastel Artists” Book

2005 – National Exhibit – La Petite XIII – Alder Gallery, Coburg, Oregon

2005 – National Exhibit – Catching the Light – Arkansas Pastel Society, Little Rock, Arkansas

2005 – National Exhibit – Lines Into Shapes – Estes Park Art Center, Estes Park, Colorado

2005 – National Exhibit – Limner Gallery – New York, New York

2003 – National Exhibit and Merit Award – Life w/ Migraine – National Headache Foundation, Chicago, Illinois

2003 – National Exhibit – The Artful Woman – Banana Factory, Pennsylvania

2002 – National Exhibit – Summer Small Works – Limner Gallery, NY, New York

1997 – Exhibit – Printmaking – Falkirk Gallery, San Rafael, California

1997 – Exhibit – Monotypes – Marin County Supervisor’s Chamber, San Rafael, California

1997 – Exhibit – Printmaking – Mendocino Art Center, Mendocino, California