 I grew up in northeastern New York State, a stone’s throw from Vermont. This area is very much like New England in the look and feel of its landscape, architecture, and the attitudes of its people. It is a predominantly rural area dotted with small towns and villages. I think you can see this influence in some of my work.
After college I worked in the business world and lived in Connecticut for over 15 years, where I met my husband (dubbed St. Peter by my students.) His career and my family brought us to New York’s Capital Region in 1987 after my first niece was born. Unfortunately, God did not bless us with children of our own, but we have lavished love and attention on the children He has put in our lives, and we are grateful for every one of them. We now have our first pet—a hypo-allergenic Siamese Snowshoe named Rembrandt (Remy) whose beautiful blue eyes and mischievous face you will no doubt see in a painting soon. Now I’m a “real Mom” according to my sainted Mother. (Maybe that’s what these “whiskers” are all about!?!)
Almost 20 years ago I discovered Decorative Painting after visiting my sister who had learned to paint while expecting my oldest niece. After finding a local shop but then moving and trying to teach myself with books and kits, I finally took a beginners’ class in acrylics in 1988—from the same teacher who taught my sister! After the beginners’ series, I took many classes of all types and styles – I just couldn’t get enough!
Later that year we moved into our new house, and I discovered a great painting shop nearby where I took many more classes and had the opportunity to study extensively with local artist and teacher, Arlene Beck, now a Master Decorative Artist of the SDP. I will always be grateful to her for sharing her knowledge and helping me to realize that the ability to paint is not something you have to be born with--you can learn to do it! In 1989 I took my first classes in oils and watercolors and have continued to study and paint in all three media, adding colored pencils about five years ago. With Arlene’s encouragement I began to attend SDP conventions and study with “big brushes” in the painting field: Gretchen Cagle, CDA (my first seminar); Peggy Stogdill, MDA; Mary Jo Leisure, MDA; Cheri Rol, MDA; Aileen Bratton, CDA; Gloria Travassos, MDA; Helan Barrick, MDA; Linda Wise, MDA; Mary Wiseman, Bobbie Takashima, Prudy Vannier, and many more over the years. Through them all I learned volumes about art principles and painting and will always be grateful for their guidance
In 1989 I began teaching in acrylics, both in the shop where I first learned to paint and my local shop, eventually adding classes in both oils and watercolors. I will always be grateful to Lori Matika and Bunny Ward for giving me the opportunity to teach. For over six years I owned Decorative Arts Studio of Glens Falls with my beginning acrylics teacher, Robin Eichler. We closed our Studio when Robin’s husband was transferred to Kentucky, and I continued to teach at my local shop for over 15 years. In 1993, after teaching for my Chapter and others, as well as at our Chapter mini-convention and others in New England, I taught my first class at the SDP Convention in St. Louis. Since then I’ve taught at a number of conventions, including SDP, HOOT and New England Traditions, as well as continuing to teach for Chapters.
In late 1988 I joined my local Chapter, Capitolers, and attended my first meeting – a Christmas party! I sat in wonder at this gathering of a large room full of people bound together by their love of this new passion of mine. I signed up for a few committees and a year later became a member of the Board of Directors. After holding several offices, I was elected President of the Chapter and served for two years. In 1996 while serving as past president and advisor, I obtained approval from our Board of Directors to invite a few chapters in New England to an exploratory meeting regarding cooperative ventures. Thus the New England Chapters Council was born, and from it our Providence, Rhode Island mini-convention, New England Traditions. I served as President of the Council for over two years, and organized and chaired New England Traditions for the first two conventions. It is a wonderful convention in a beautiful area and facility. Kudos to those who continue to serve on its committees and as its leaders, and for all they do to maintain the high standards set by the organizing committee almost ten years ago. NET celebrates its eighth anniversary this year!
After finishing my term as chair of New England Traditions, I was elected Board Member at Large of the Society of Decorative Painters and served for two years. I was also on the Business Committee for three years, one as its Chair, and I chaired the Education Committee. In 2004 I ran for First Vice President/President-elect, but was not elected. My commitment to the Society and its goals continues to be strong, and I urge everyone who loves decorative painting to become a member.
At present my focus is on design work for convention class submissions, my booth at HOOT and New England Traditions (NET), and my website of course. I teach four weekly classes in my Home Studio, and occasionally a seminar or other special class locally. About a year ago I became a lia sophia representative and sell their beautiful costume jewelry line, mainly through home parties a couple of nights a week. Check back periodically to see what’s new and what’s happening!
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