I create art that calls your name.  My art draws you in, reminding you of fond memories, people, places, and events.  

I am an expressive painter, exploring recollections, change, and meaning.  The transient beauty of the natural world and our place in the cycle of life are dominant themes.

I am fascinated by how we transition through different seasons of life. Some transitions seem effortless; others challenge our sense of self. My paintings are a visual conversation about navigating change; remembering and honoring the past while learning to let go and move forward.

I grew up in a family of creatives who encouraged me to explore.  But my creative spirit was deflated by a middle school art teacher who told me to “try band instead of art.” I didn’t pick up a paint brush again for decades.

I chose a very different path, earning a doctoral degree in Interpersonal Communication and becoming a professor.  After receiving tenure, I returned to my love of art but had to find ways to fit it into a very busy work life.  I found my niche in academic administration.  I retired from the position of Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  Now I am fully exploring my creative side. 

Art

I work in watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media.  The transparency of watercolor, the versatility of acrylic, and the texture of mixed media are all exciting avenues to exploration. A day spent with new materials or learning new techniques is my idea of perfection.  I am thrilled by new discoveries and completely lose track of my time in my studio.  I’m currently focused on the possibilities with paper weaving and collage.  Such great fun!

I’ve been fortunate to live in several places but most of my life was spent in the Midwest.  I moved to the Southeast for an incredible job at UAB and opted to retire there.  I reside and work in Vestavia Hills (a suburb outside of Birmingham) with my husband.  I am surrounded by natural beauty---the Appalachian foothills, winding streams, and dense forests.

My artwork has been featured at Art Blink, Edge of Chaos, Artstober, and Art in the Village.  It is also available at Wallace Burke and through this website. 

Classes 

Person painting at a table with art supplies and drawings.

We are all artists.  Some people choose to nurture their creative instincts. 

I believe that every one of us is creative and capable of creating art.  Like any other skills, we need to practice to improve. We can’t expect to create a masterpiece the first time we paint.  So many of us have been influenced by limiting beliefs about our artistic skills by listening to what others think about what we are and aren’t good at.  But you can decide what you enjoy and what you can do. 

I am an award-winning teacher, and my classes are designed to balance learning key principles with hands-on experiences.

Teaching others to paint is rewarding.  It allows me to share my passion for art.  It is inspiring to observe the benefits that art classes have for my students.  They begin to relax, problem solve and get creative!  The feeling when a student has an artistic breakthrough or recognizes their own improvement can’t be matched.  I feel like each class develops a supportive community of emerging artists. 

I am currently teaching four-week watercolor classes on Wednesday nights at Forstall Art Center.  Located in downtown Birmingham, they have been serving the art community for 25 years.  They supply fine art materials and an array of art workshops and classes. 

I also teach step-by-step watercolor project classes at Piddlin Art and Antiques in Vestavia Hills on Saturday mornings.  This consignment shop offers unique treasures and art classes.