As a child growing up in Chautauqua county New York, I loved to draw. Stick figures gave way to labored faces as this love became a passion, and I focused more and more on portraits. People noticed my ability, especially my high school art teacher who took an unfinished oil portrait I had done of my sister and sent it to the New York State Youth Exhibition where it won highest honors. By the time I graduated, I was already painting commissioned portraits.

My appreciation of the beauty of the human face continued as I studied the lives and works of Degas, John Singer Sargent, and Renoir, who were so gifted at bringing spectacular colors and life to their portrayals. As I grew in my Christian faith, so did my wonder at the amazing texture of skin and eyes, and that glow of beauty that often shines from a face Hollywood would not regard as beautiful.

For several years I worked as an illustrator for businesses in the Erie, Pennsylvania area, but eventually I went back to portraiture. I studied under the private direction of Professor Joseph Plavcan, and after my marriage in 1977, I worked full-time painting portraits in oils and pastelsOver the years I have lived in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio as a youth, then in Utah, Idaho, Oregon and  Alaska, as my husband moved within the US Forest Service. Everywhere there have been wonderful people to paint, and some three hundred walls hold my portraits.

Although I have painted all ages of males and females (and sometimes their pets), one of my most meaningful niches is the painting of deceased loved ones; I feel that I am able to present the bereaved with a unique sort of comfort, a remembrance of the beloved. I know this comfort first hand, for when my father passed away five years ago, I painted his portrait from a favorite tattered snapshot: Dad in his favorite truck driving clothes, relaxing in his old easy chair with a cup of coffee and a cigarette. It hangs in my hall, and gives me a pat of encouragement and a smile, many times a day. I love being able to pass that little lift on to others by means of portraiture.

Getting Started

The Photo You Send
It may sound strange, but the photo ought to REALLY LOOK LIKE the person (believe it or not, some photos do not!) Does the photo have a nice feel, a warm representation of the person? Even a beloved snapshot can sometimes be a better choice than a formal shot (unless that is what you desire). The photo should be clear. If in doubt, go with the photo you really love, the one that makes you smile.
Assuming the preciousness of the photo, I strongly advise that a copy be made of the photo before sending; then send me the copy. While I take utmost care with the photo, I cannot be responsible for its transit. Use a photo-mailer, and take precautions against loss at the post office.