If you had told me five years ago that at this point in my life I’d be a full-time artist; selling paintings, exhibiting my work regularly in NYC galleries, and leading painting workshops; I would have shaken my head in disbelief! Although I’ve always considered myself a creative person, I spent most of my life believing that I had no “talent” for visual arts.

I was an actress during my teens and 20s, and a jewelry designer for a short time, before arriving at my long-time career as an elementary school teacher. Then in the spring of 2020 - when we were all in lock-down and I was stuck at home teaching remotely - I picked up my first set of watercolor paints.

At first painting was just a diverting pastime. I watched numerous YouTube videos, and tried to follow along as the teachers demonstrated how to paint realistic flowers and landscapes, but I was never entirely satisfied with my results. This led me to the realization that I typically prefer abstract art over representational art, and I decided to start looking towards abstract artists for inspiration. The work of Kandinsky and Klee, Hilma af Klint and Georgia O’Keeffe, and many other ground-breaking artists was a revelation to me, and their artwork lit a fire in me. I loved being able to express myself creatively in a freeing and relaxed way, without the pressure to make my work realistic. I started painting intuitively; playing with lines, colors, and shapes; bringing in botanical elements; and developing my own signature marks and embellishments. Through daily painting sessions I discovered that painting brings me both peace and joy, and I typically choose to make art that feels soothing and uplifting. I work primarily in watercolors with mixed media elements, and I find that layering an unexpected mix of materials to create a cohesive whole gives me endless possibilities for creative expression. What started as a Covid hobby has become a passion, and an absolutely essential part of my life.

Now I have retired from my classroom teaching position to dedicate myself fully to making art, but interestingly, I have found that my inclination for educating is still alive and well. Along with my daily painting practice, I have become compelled to develop courses, videos, and workshops, primarily geared towards beginning artists. I love sharing the techniques I’ve developed, and providing guidance and inspiration for other artists who are just starting on their own creative journeys. If I can introduce other artists to the transformative power of making art, I consider that a job well done! I hope you’ll choose to come to Connecticut in the spring of 2025 to paint with me!