“In Living Color”

Early on I knew I wanted to be an artist and a teacher.

After graduating in 1963 with a BA in art education at Kearney State College (Nebraska), I taught art at Minden, Nebraska for two years, initiating their first art program.

In 1966, I earned an MS degree in art (1966) at Fort Hays State followed by an MFA at Wichita State in 1974. With a Max Beckmann Memorial Scholarship,

I lived in New York City and attended the Brooklyn Museum Art School, 1966-67. That year provided the best learning experience ever! When Fort Hays called and offered me a teaching job, I said YES!. That was in 1967 and 34 quick years later, I retired from a job that I truly loved.

I have my home and studio in Hays, Kansas.

Statement about my artwork

I don’t start out with a sketch or drawing. I plunge right in, brushing my acrylics and/or watercolors on paper or panel. As an intuitive painter, I allow the artwork to tell me what to do next. It helps to have over 60 years of painting experience to be able to listen to what the painting is asking for! In my early years, I was afraid to make a mistake, but I find the best work comes from being brave and daring. When the painting is finished, I sometimes see a story in it. The personal symbols speak to me and hopefully the viewer can connect with their own interpretation.