Artist Bio 

I always loved art when I was growing up.   There was nothing better than getting new art supplies each school year. As an elementary school teacher, shopping for bouquets of sharp pencils, paint sets, markers, chalk, and crayons was just as special as it was when I was little.  Some things never change!  I think my fellow PAPI members would agree that a trip to the art store is the best.

 I spent most of my teaching career in kindergarten, and my favorite subject to teach was art. Kindergartners were never shy about diving right into the supplies. My fondest teaching memories were watching my students’ faces light up on painting days! Even though I am now retired, I especially enjoy seeing young artists inspired by our PAPI group creating masterpieces from life using a variety of mediums.   

I did not study art in college.  My degrees are Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Science.  I did take a bird drawing course as an elective one year.  Now I enjoy taking workshops whenever the opportunities present for oil painting, watercolor, pastel, or figure drawing.  I also glean as much as I can from my friends in PAPI. 

I am a member of Treasure Valley Artists Alliance, Plein Air Painters of Idaho, and Idaho Watercolor Society.  Being a member is so inspiring, especially when immersing myself in a new outdoor environment on one of the Idaho trips.  Memorable mini vacations like City of Rocks, Bonners Ferry Paint Out, Pocatello Paint Out and Salmon allow me to “get lost” in art for a few days. 

When I am not painting, I enjoy time with my family.  I have a daughter and six (soon to be seven) grandchildren.  This last summer, I hiked in the Grand Canyon with my oldest grandson.  Every year, we also explore the Oregon Coast.  Of course I bring my art supplies along!