Artist Statement

It’s all about the love of the subject for me. My childhood was spent moving around to numerous states and countries as my Dad was in the military. I knew when I was in the third grade that I would grow up to be an artist and paint exactly the things I now paint. I endeavored to keep the memories of my favorite times and places stored in my heart.

I relate to California’s art history. The vast open land, sea, light and colors of California have drawn artists from all over the world, inspiring them to tell their story visually. All of the places I have lived and loved – Montana, Nebraska, Texas, Florida, Kansas, Nevada, Italy and England are embodied in California.

I was fortunate to be accepted and attend Ipswich Art School in Suffolk, England. I will always be grateful for this opportunity, entirely supported by the British school system. We worked from life, mostly drawing and water colors and were required to turn in at least six sketches a week.

After returning to Nevada with solid drawing skills, I invested in art supplies and taught myself to paint in oils by studying the old masters, visiting museums, reading books and watching instructional videos by well-known artists. I married a fellow artist, Lowell Sylvester, & we have three daughters, Andrea and Tracey & Kellie. While they were growing up I entered some competitions and showed in galleries in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, Morro Bay and Cambria, California where we had often vacationed.