About the Artist
Bio
I have always painted, but it took years of study, experimentation, and dedication to discover my own high-energy style—bold colors, luminous light, and a deep connection to the land and sky.
My artistic path began early. At 16, I received my first portrait commission and award for capturing not just a likeness, but a spirit. After earning a Bachelor’s in Fine Art from SUNY New Paltz in 1994, a pastel portrait was accepted into the Pastel Society of America’s international exhibition at the National Arts Club—a pivotal moment that affirmed my place in the professional art world.
I’ve been fortunate to study with modern masters including John Phillip Osborne, Andrew Lattimore, Garin Baker, and more, building a strong foundation in technique. Yet it was a personal turning point that led me deeper: after a loss in 2001, I shifted from portraiture to painting landscapes en plein air, using art as a way to heal. A dream revealed to me that painting is more than representation—it is transformation. From then on, my work has been guided by both mastery of craft and connection to intuition.
Teaching became a natural extension of this journey. From 2002 to 2014, I served as adjunct professor at SUNY Orange, and in 2020, I created Landscape Alchemy, a 12-module online course that helps artists master technical skill while developing intuitive expression. Today, I continue to mentor artists through workshops, my free monthly mentoring day, and The Painter’s Travel Club, where painters join virtual journeys across the world.
I am also the author of Cultivate Creativity in the Garden of Enlightenment, a book that helps readers use art to quiet their inner critic, access their subconscious, and nurture their creativity.
Over the years, my paintings have earned recognition across North America, including Best Landscape in Plein Air Magazine’s Salon and 2nd Place in Modern Impressionist Magazine’s competition. A painting of clouds exhibited at the National Arts Club earned one of the top awards and elevated my membership in the Pastel Society of America to Signature Status. My work can be found in museums, hospitals, corporate spaces, and private collections worldwide.
Today, represented by Burns Gallery on Central in Sarasota, FL I continue to paint and share the message that has guided my journey: art is not only about what you see—it’s about who you are and how you choose to live. Now I reside in France half of the year. While there I experiment and play. I am able to paint from my heart in France and Italy living “la dolce vita”.
Recent acceptance in exhibitions include:
International Association of Pastel Societies,
Southeastern Pastel Society and
American Impressionist Society.
West Coast Woman magazine featured me in a cover story, August, 2023 which told about how exciting my in person painting trips to Provence sound.
Membership Past and Present:
Signature member of the Pastel Society of America
Signature member of the NY & International Plein Air Painters
American Impressionist Society
Oil Painters of America
Southeastern Pastel Society
Gallery representation includes:
Burns Gallery on Central in Sarasota, FL
“Her evocative plein air paintings express an intense response to observed nature, while her dynamic abstractions reflect a passionate energy and masterful sense of form.”
– Dennis Wepman, Art Curator of Karpeles Museum
