About Me

 I haven't always been a painter, I came to it in the second phase of my life. The phase of being a mother. When my son was born I began looking for a new hobby, and showing myself to be an absolute failure at writing mystery novels I decided to try my hand at painting, a pursuit with the added benefit of artwork as a result. Starting small, with only three tubes of paint I slowly worked my way up using a 'how to paint' book from the local bookshop.

 After quickly learning that yellow and black would greatly increase my potential color abilities I started to make real progress. About a year later I had my first exhibition at the Pfarrsaal in Knittelfeld. There I learned the technical side, how to hang paintings, etc... Moving to Graz a few years later I continued to improve and add to my skills as a result of further books, practice, and a series of really great, intensive botanical illustration courses. These courses shaped the way I view illustration and although I don't always choose to implement some of the more time intensive techniques I do utilize a lot of what I was taught in my aquarelle work.
  

   Since then, I have participated in a few art contests, done a few small exhibitions, been involved in starting a neighborhood art walk, and done some decorative painting for gifts, markets and the like. I began the social media aspect of my studio work. While proving to be an uphill endeavor it is nevertheless rewarding in certain ways. I have delved into the realm of Urban Sketching and have, together with two friends, been instrumental in registering a local chapter of Urban Sketchers International.

  Animal’s posed a significant challenge for me and so three years ago I decided to ‘take the bull by the horns’. I took the EdX ‘natural history illustration’ course. And I have never looked back. What a delight these wonderful creatures are.

  I am motivated by all of the beauty and elegance I see in nature and everyday life. I want to help those around me to see the wonderful world through my eyes.

   Personal Information:
  I am an American married to an Austrian, residing in Austria since 2005. My background is in biology and laboratory immunology which has gifted me with patience, a methodical mind, and an interest in detail and detailed work. My other passions are my family, cooking, literature, music, travel, spirituality, and all things Italian. I love to listen to audiobooks while painting.