I am inspired by the quiet power of place—coastlines, forests, open landscapes —and by the subtle relationships among light, color, and atmosphere. Many places I have explored have shaped my visual language and continue to influence my work. I paint both in plein air and in the studio, allowing direct observation and memory to work together in each composition.
My paintings lean toward a painterly, semi-impressionistic style. Rather than strict realism, I focus on capturing mood, movement, and emotion, using expressive brushwork and layered color to suggest a sense of story. I am drawn to moments that invite the viewer to slow down, look closer, and imagine themselves within the scene.
I have been honored to exhibit my work in local, national, and international juried shows and to receive several awards along the way. While recognition is meaningful, the greatest reward comes when someone connects with a painting—finding calm, inspiration, or personal meaning—and chooses to bring that work into their home.
Education
• Degrees in Music (AA), Mathematics (BS), and Math Education (MA)
Professional Experience
• High School Instructor (1980-2016)
• Junior College Instructor (1981-2016)
Gallery Affiliation & Leadership
• Member Artist, Nonprofit Gallery (2021–present)
• Board Member & Secretary, Board of Directors (2024–present)
Selected Exhibitions & Juried Shows
2019–2020
• Arts Benicia Art of a Community Exhibition
• Arts Benicia Juried Show (August Spring)
• Arts Benicia Open Studios
• Plein Air Gallery Paint-Out
• aRT Cottage Art Show (Beach Girl)
• LST Landscapes (Dipsea Stairs) — Special Recognition
2021–2022
• Arts Benicia Juried Show (Umbrella Girl)
• FSVAA Art on the Vine Festival
• Multiple LST Juried Exhibitions — Special Recognition / Special Merit
• Book of Arts Publication (Gallerium Art Exhibit)
• Desert Beauty published in Finnerty’s RV Folly
• CAA, LAA, FSVAA, MAA Juried Exhibitions
2023
• Open Studios Benicia Arsenal
• Sheridan Prize for Art — Juried Show
• LAA Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery (California Dreamin’) — Juried
• MAA Art in the Park Fair, Martinez
• Glashoff Art Festival — Juried
• FSVAA Art Crush & Black Friday Art Fairs
• Arts Benicia Carquinez Review II — Juried Publication
• Main Street Benicia Art Walk Poster Contest — 2nd & 3rd Place
2024–2025
• Arts Benicia Art of a Community Exhibition
• LAA Ekphrasis — Juried
• Village Theatre & Art Gallery — Juried
• Alamo/Danville Primavera — Juried
• CAA Centre Concord — Juried
• National Oil & Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS) — Juried
• Sheridan Prize for Art — Honorable Mention (Rowers)
• LST Landscapes — Top 20 (Winter Sunrise)
Awards & Honors
• Second Place — Nor-Cal Regional Juried Show
• Sheridan Prize for Art — Honorable Mention
• LST Juried Exhibitions — Special Recognition / Special Merit
• LST Landscapes — Top 20 in Painting & Media
Professional Artist Membership Organizations
Arts Benicia since 2017
American Impressionist Society (AIS), associate member since 2020
Fairfield Solano Visual Art Association. FSVAA. since 2021
Contra Costa Plein Air Facebook since 2022
Martinez Art Association (MAA) since 2022
Concord Art Association. (CAA) since 2022
Lamorinda Arts Alliance. (LAA) since 2022
Alamo Danville Artists Society (ADAS) since 2023
Berkeley Art Center (BAC) 2024
Rossmoor Art Association 2026