Tell us about your most recent collection.
This collection is near and dear to my heart because it is comprised of two of my favorite things, water and color. It moves between representational to more abstracted in both color and form.
How would you describe your art to first-time viewers?
It’s all about the color! I love seeing how colors interact with one another to create a sense of calm or high energy. I work in oils and love the texture they achieve. Most of my paintings involve multiple layers and I love to see the little touches of the toned canvas or colors from the previous layers peeking through. Most people describe my work as happy and that in turn brings me so much joy.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Growing up on the Gulf Coast I was surrounded by water and it’s almost as if my soul needs it. I have done collections that don’t involve water, but I seem to always come back to it. I love observing the way the sun and sky interact with water—whether it is a sunset on a marsh, a tree line reflected on the river, or how a brilliant pink sky looks above an ocean. I try to capture those observations and then abstract them.
Is there one style of art that you haven’t done that you would love to try one day?
My daughter Caroline is a gifted potter and I have always wanted to try it. I can envision us sitting at potters wheels, creating together.
Do you have any favorite pieces in this collection? If so, which ones and why?
My paintings are like my children—I love them equally and each one has their own personality. Some of my paintings came together effortlessly and I had to resist the urge not to overwork them. Others took longer but resulted in layers of depth that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Having said that, Tangerine Sky was one of those that just came together so easily, but there were others that required more work. When I was stuck creatively, I would do what I always do—I turn up the music and dance while looking at that painting. Some people might be surprised to hear I dance around my studio to loud music while contemplating a painting. Then again, my girlfriends won’t be surprised to read this at all…the late-night dance queens know who you are!
What’s heavily played on your music playlist right now?
I have a huge variety of music I listen to, especially while painting.
Beach music
70’s dance music
Eagles
Elton John
Van Morrison
Bob Marley
Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack
French Café playlist
What made you start creating art to begin with?
I have always had the need to create. I was a decorative accessories buyer for Macy’s and did a lot of product development. If I could have written a description of the perfect job at that time in my life, that would have been it. The creative process was exhilarating and I got to travel to places all over the world that I probably would have never had the opportunity to go to otherwise.
If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
I would continue to travel and have a big house on the water with lots of windows and plenty of room for family and friends to gather and enjoy. I would still spend many hours in my studio painting. Only when I turned away from the canvas, I would look at the beautiful water…and I would still be dancing!
Besides painting, what are some other hobbies you enjoy?
I play a lot of tennis, and right now I’m more than a little obsessed with pickleball! It’s so much fun and “a great equalizer.” One doesn’t need to be a tennis player to enjoy it, and it's fun to play with my husband, kids, and friends. I also love travel and cooking. Feeding people feeds my soul.
