I was always drawing and doodling as a child.  I used to copy the comics out of the newspapers.  I probably started doing this as soon as I could read and write.

I am truly inspired by the Canadian Group of Seven artists especially Tom Tomson.  The paintings he did of the Canadian wilderness are fresh and alive with color.  The brushstrokes he used were varied and inspiring.

I would say my work is a modern take on impressionism.  I use bold , vibrant color and brush strokes thick with oil paint to make the painting come alive.

My parents commissioned me to paint a portrait of their cat when I was younger. It was a small thing but gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my dreams further.

I generally work on one piece at a time because I like to finish the painting in one sitting.  I do not do much layering in my technique but I put one brushstroke next to another and leave it alone. I sometimes will color the ground of several canvases if I have the time just so that they are ready for me to start painting when inspiration hits.

I take a lot of photos when I am out hiking or kayaking.  I look for interesting shapes and shadows for my photo shoots and when I get home I go through them and save the ones that I think will work for paintings.  I sometimes will adjust the color or contrast to suit my needs.

I am married with two grown children and one grandchild. I live in a sleepy rural community on Vancouver Island, B.C. close to the ocean and enjoy kayaking the many estuaries, lakes and ocean bays in search of painting inspiration.  I also enjoy camping and cruising the Gulf Islands and hiking the many trails with my husband of 36 years.