I am basically a self-taught artist. I have many art courses and workshops under my brush however, and I study extensively on my own. I have had classes and workshops from such artists as Tom Lynch, Claudia Nice,Bob Ross and Jerry Yarnell. I am an avid gardener and I love nature. I count it a privilege to capture in a small way what God has so wondrously created. My interest in art has been since early childhood. Doing crafts are fun but I find my true fulfillment in painting. My realistic style in art shows my desire to capture the out of doors I so richly love. Landscapes, flowers, animals and birds are my favorite subjects. Now that I own a couple of beautiful horses, you will be seeing more equine portaits as well. I paint in a variety of mediums: graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink with my favorites being pastels, watercolors and acrylics. I taught Kindergarten in the mornings and Art in the afternoons while living in Knoxville and since moving to the Chattanooga area 15 years ago, I taught Art at the Central Baptist School for the Arts for 10 years with several of my art students pursuing a career in the arts. I also enjoy the role of wife, mother of two and now grandmother to four wonderful children. They also inspire me to get my brushes wet! I have done many commissions for friends and family and I find it rewarding to do something for that special place someone may have in their home. I will be quick to give all the honor and glory to the Lord for the ability to do what I do. I consider it a precious gift from Him and what I do with it is my gift back to Him.
A favorite poem:
When Earth's last picture is painted
And the tubes are twisted and dried
When the oldest colors have faded
And the youngest critic has died
We shall rest, and faith, we shall need it
Lie down for an aeon or two
'Till the Master of all good workmen
Shall put us to work anew
And those that were good shall be happy
They'll sit in a golden chair
They'll splash at a ten league canvas
With brushes of comet's hair
They'll find real saints to draw from
Magdalene, Peter, and Paul
They'll work for an age at a sitting
And never be tired at all.
And only the Master shall praise us.
And only the Master shall blame.
And no one will work for the money.
No one will work for the fame.
But each for the joy of the working,
And each, in his separate star,
Will draw the thing as he sees it.
For the God of things as they are!
Rudyard Kipling
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