My painting journey started in 1989 when I learned to paint with acrylics during my lunch hour at the law office where I worked. If not for the step-by-step process of decorative painting, I would not have been introduced to the world of painting. The use of line drawings, the emphasis on technique, and written instruction makes it possible for anyone to learn to paint. In 2000, I started painting primarily in watercolor. I chose to paint primarily in transparent colors to distinguish from my years of painting in acrylics. Recently, I am adding acrylics to my paintings along with collage.

Like many of us, I had a "day" job until recently and therefore, I took my painting time seriously and perhaps have a greater appreciation for my time spent painting. It is my joy and oftentimes my therapy. As much as I like painting, I love teaching. I have the pleasure of teaching students at my home in St. Paul and throughout the United States and Canada. I am actively seeking travel teaching opportunities. See "Schedule & Workshops" for my currently scheduled workshops. 

Since 2002, I have studied with many talented artists including Barbara Benda Nagle, Stan Fellows, Joan Fullerton, Jodi Ohl, Dina Wakley, Wan Marsh, Skip Lawrence, Carol Nelson, Calvin deRuyter, Jennifer Stone, Linda Kemp, Karlyn Holman, Tom Jones, Jean Grasdorf, Chen Khee Chee, Frank Webb, Don Andrews, Karen Knutson, Lana Grow, Kathi George, and Richard Graves. I am grateful for the inspiration and knowledge I gained from painting with these artists. 

I live in a 125+-year-old house in St. Paul, Minnesota with my husband Coz and our cats Mickey and Bailey. When I am not painting, I enjoy working in my gardens and stamping/card making. You can see pictures of my home on the "Where I Paint & Live" tab.

I live in St. Paul, Minnesota in a house over 100 years old with my husband Coz and our cats Mickey and Bailey. 

This is my studio at home. We converted the second story master bedroom into my studio. There are two roof windows that give me a lot of additional light as well as fresh air. It's where I spend a lot of my time designing and painting. The classes are taught on the first level of our home by converting the dining room and living room into a spacious classroom.