thank you so much for your interest in my art! i’ve been creating my whole life having grown up under my mom’s easels and sewing machines. i was that kid that didn’t have lemonade stands. instead i sold painted rocks and bean bag frogs on my curbside card table.
i have a bachelor of fine arts degree from texas christian university. although my vocational career has been spent in pastoral ministry i’ve always had a creative work on the side. i had a custom quilting business for almost 20 years.
i started painting more seriously in the last 10 years, taking classes at denver’s art students league and many national workshops. in 2018, mixed media abstracts became my primary focus with a little figurative work too. i began painting full-time in 2020. i’ve been married to my best friend david for 36 years. we have 6 fantastic adult kids- the original 4 plus 2 spouses and also 2 adorable grandbabies. in addition to painting, i love to draw, quilt, stitch, knit- pretty much anything in the creative handwork category. i also love to read; mostly novels and faith related books. i’m a huge sports fan, football, baseball and nascar are my faves. and did i mention coffee and wine? love those too especially when combined with good friends. read on for my artist statement, the “why”behind my paintings!
hello, friend.
whether i’m painting an abstract or figurative, piecing a quilt, or just doing some hand stitching, i create art primarily to tell my heart and soul i’m listening. my exuberant artwork is infused with joy and authenticity. as an abstract expressionist, i paint with emotion, layer upon layer, even praying a blessing over each piece. every color choice, brushstroke, and mark is full of intention. i use acrylic paints, pastels, pencils, paint pens, a little glitter, and even crayons in my unique paintings.
i believe in the power of beauty and strive to create art that will touch your heart. i was told by a fellow artist and mentor, “Your work gets more and more interesting the closer you get to the painting.” i love that. hidden in each painting, no bigger than the head of a pin, is at least one heart. i hope that this attention to reach the heart of the viewer and unexpected details make my paintings shimmer with joy!
through my teaching and speaking, i communicate my foundational belief that each person carries the beauty of creativity within them. as a pastor, i have taught about art and faith for over 40 years. (although i’m not old enough for that to actually be true!) my greatest joy, in both painting and speaking, is to tell others about the beautiful, extravagant colors of grace.
every color choice, brushstroke, and mark
God, who created the twinkling stars
and the warmth of the sun
the mountains majestic
and the turquoise ocean,
You Whose human hands created
with ordinary wood and nails
and then miraculously redeemed me
with those same cruciform tools,
Thank You.
a benediction for creatingThank You for the beauty You have created
in this world,
in my life
and in my heart.
May You bless and anoint my hands,
my heart and my imagination
to create beauty this day
that speaks of
Your beauty,
Your truth
and Your goodness
and brings glory to Your Name.
This I pray, in the Name of the Father,
Son and the Spirit.
Amen.