Hi everyone!  I was born and raised in Iowa, moving to sunny Florida in 1990.  I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember and considered accepting a scholarship after High School.  I think my parent’s vision of a starving artist in a cold-water walk-up in New York probably discouraged me from that and I became a nurse instead.  : )

My sister first introduced me to decorative painting and I wanted so badly to find classes to attend.  Living in a small rural community, I was unable to find anyone teaching. Finally I started a few classes in 1974, taking my month old daughter with me so I could attend.

For several years I had a home studio/shop and taught on a regular basis.  That was given up when we moved but what I gained was access to FSDA chapter in Tampa. I attended Extrav in 1992, which is where I met Mary and was introduced to her technique.  I not only fell in love with the method of painting (as did my family and friends), but also with Mary as a very giving and helpful teacher.  Mary never holds back information or assistance and I know her goal is to have a happy relaxed student.  I will be striving for these same goals as I hope to begin teaching again, probably making my Sarasota Chapter, GBDA, my first “guinea pigs”.

I have a very loving and always supportive family consisting of my wonderful husband of 35 years, 3 daughters, one son, 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson for whom I love to paint.