Background
A little about myself: I’m born and raised in St. Louis, MO where I spent my school years taking college credit and college prep classes to prepare me for the future. School came easy, and I enjoyed math, writing, and science (excluding geology). My all time favorite class was Forensic Science where I fondly remember the final exam being a crime scene. My least favorite classes included PE and History (which consequently is now a source of great inspiration to me).
I didn’t decide on a college major until my second year at Florissant Valley Community College; when I finally had to admit to myself that I was an artist despite mine and my family’s reservations. Unlike the stereotypical artist, I’m very analytical and organized, and giving up the idea of being a career woman was incredibly tough for me; but I did and here I am.
Inspiration
I’m inspired by historic costumes, art, and architecture; particularly the Medieval, Renaissance, and Elizabethan eras. Though I seldom paint nature, I like to sit outside on a nice Spring or Fall day to be energized. My favorite subjects are architecture, portraiture, and animals.
Techniques
When painting I work in acrylics, I seldom use other painting mediums because acrylics are so versatile. I typically paint on wood panels or stretched canvas; and I work in layers rather than blending. When I’m not painting I use pen & ink because it travels better. I’ve found that I like fine point Rapidograph-like pens and Sharpe pens, because they dry quickly and are not water soluble.
Accomplishments
- The Look of Love won Best of Show at the “Lake St. Louis Artist Association Spring Show.” (April, 2008)
- Armadillo won an First place at the “Lake St. Louis Artist Association Spring Show.” (April, 2008)
- Exhibited at Humane Day in Jefferson City (April 2008)
- Exhibited at Framations “Puppies are Biodegradable Show” (April 2008)
- Skeleton Beagle was on Channel 5 News (April 2008)
- The Look of Love won Honorable Mention at Framations for “Look of Love/Locks of Love Event” (March 2008)
- Exhibited at Fleischman Hillard for Art St. Louis Show (December 2007)
- Cowboy Tales won Best of Show at the “Oak Leaf Holiday Show” at St. Peters Community Arts Center. (November, 2007)
- Skull won Third Place at the “Oak Leaf Holiday Show” at St. Peters Community Arts Center. (November, 2007)
- Queen of Hearts won Second Place at the “Oak Leaf Fall Show” at St. Peters Community Arts Center. (September, 2007)
- Blue Arches won an Honorable Mention at the “Oak Leaf Fall Show” at St. Peters Community Arts Center. (September, 2007)
- Asked to be a Resident Artist for Framations Gallery. (August, 2007)
- Camel won Third Place at the “A Few of My Favorite Things Show” at St. Peters Community Arts Center. (February, 2007).
- Chivalry won Best of Show at the “ArtALot Show” at St. Peters Community Arts Center. (January, 2007).
- Cityscape won Second Place at the “ArtALot Show” at St. Peters Community Arts Center. (January, 2007).
- Knight won Third Place at the “ArtALot Show” at St. Peters Community Symbols of Christmas won Honorable Mention at the “Holiday Show” at St. Peters Community Arts Center. (2006).
- Lady’s Window, Inverted Town, and Columns were in “The Sky is the Limit” at Peters Community Arts Center (2006).
- Utopia and Eclipse were in “The Oak Leaf Artist Guild Show” at Framations (2006).
- Utopia and Inverted Town were accepted into “XXII” at Art St. Louis (though never exhibited) (2006).
- Graduated from Memphis College of Art with a BFA in Graphic Design/Illustration and a minor in Painting (2001).
- I’ve had my work in student shows at Florissant Valley and Memphis College of Art (1999-2001).
Organizations
- Graduated from Memphis College of Art with a BFA in Graphic Design and Illustration, with a minor in Painting (2001).
- Member of Art St. Louis (since 2002)
- Board member of Oak Leaf Artist Guild (member since 2006)
- Member of several Livejournal.com artist groups (since 2004)
- Member of Wetcanvas.com (briefly in 2006)
- Past affiliates with St. Louis Artist Guild (2002-2004)