My Art

For me, the process of artistic creation is a journey of discovery.  I became fascinated with painting while working on a mural at my church honoring some of the stories of the life of St. Francis of Assisi.  In 2004, I took an ‘Intro to Pastel Painting’ course from Marla Baggetta, PSA, PSO and have found it has opened a whole new realm of exploration for me.  As I found in painting the mural, I am fascinated by placing the colors  --  intrigued by the mood and movement they create, and drawn into the discovery of what happens as each one strikes the paper.


I love the hands on versatility and the immediacy of pastel.  It can be tranquil and soft, abrupt or wispy, bold or diffused, without brushes or drying time.  I find joy in this responsive characteristic of the medium, and my painting experiences become an opportunity to let go -- turn my brain off and create from the heart, while I enjoy that sense of “getting lost” in the process.  I am reminded in my work with pastels that most often “less is more.”  Learning to simplify shapes and values to express the essence of the subject is a goal I strive for in each painting, as is exploring the colors and various strokes so that my choices are distilled down to only those that will strongly and clearly represent what is truly meant to be there.  


At present, I am focusing on the landscape, animals and people that capture my joy of living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  My hope is that the sense of place I discover in the experiences of living here, will touch the memories and dreams of others that view my work, and that they will find comfort within and inspiration for their own journey of discovery.



Education:  

Bachelor of Science in Clothing, Textiles and Related Arts from Oregon State University, Post Baccalaureate education in Architecture, Art, and Business at Portland State University, and Marylhurst University


Professional:

1982-1988 Apparel design Pendleton Woolen Mills

1992-2003 Interior designer at Paul Schatz Furniture

2004 - present  Interior design consultant


Exhibitions:

2023 - Pastel Artists of Oregon, Membership Online Juried Exhibition

2022 - Oregon Lavender Paint Out and Exhibit, Newberg, OR  

Pastel Artists of Oregon, Spirit of Pastel Second Biennial International Open Juried Exhibition, Newberg, OR

2021 - Pastel Artists of Oregon, Members Online Juried Exhibition 

2020 - Pastel Artists of Oregon, Spirit of Pastel 2020 Virtual International Open Juried Exhibition       

Art Council of Lake Oswego Plein Air Chronicling 2020 Exhibit, Lake Oswego, OR

2019- Lavender Festival Plein Air Show, Newberg

ORPlein Air Pop Up, Hillsboro, OR

NPS Members Show at Vashon Center for the Arts, Vashon Island, WA

2018 - Art Fusion Group Exhibit at the West Linn Library, West Linn, OR

Lake Oswego Plein Air Show, Lake Oswego, OR

Lavender Festival Plein Air Show, Newberg, OR

Washington County Plein Air Show, Hillsboro, OR

NPS Members Show, Kirkland, WA

Beautiful Lives Portrait Project Shows, Portland, OR and Las Vegas NV 

2017 - Art Fusion Group Exhibit at Bread and Ink Restaurant, Portland, OR

Lavender Festival Plein Air Show, Newberg, OR

Washington County Plein Air Show, Hillsboro, OR

NPS Members show at OSA, Portland, OR

201 1- Lavender Festival Plein Air Show, Carlton, OR

2010 -  St. Francis Episcopal Church, Wilsonville, OR

2009 -  Art Fusion Group Exhibit at the Wilsonville Library, Wilsonville, OR

23rd Northwest Pastel Society International Open Exhibition, Tacoma WA

Art Fusion Group Exhibit at Willamette Falls Hospital, Oregon City, OR

2007 -  Art Fusion Group Exhibit at the West Linn Library, West Linn, OR 

St. Francis Episcopal Church, Wilsonville, OR

2002- present   Mural in acrylic paint honoring the life of St Francis of Assisi at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Wilsonville.


Awards and Honors:

2020 - Best in Show Award, Art Council of Lake Oswego Plein Air Chronicling 2020 Exhibit, Lake Oswego, OR

2019 - Patron Art Elements Award, Lavender Festival Plein Air Show, Newberg, OR

1st Place Nocturnal, Plein Air Pop Up, Hillsboro, OR

2018 - Honorable Mention, Lavender Festival Plein Air Show, Newberg, OR

2017 - Honorable Mention, Lavender Festival Plein Air Show, Newberg, OR

1st Place, Washington County Plein Air Show, Hillsboro, OR

2009 - Terry Ludwig LLC Award, NPS 23rd International Open Exhibit, Tacoma, WA


Professional Affiliations:

Pastel Artists of Oregon

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