What sparked your interest in painting?
I have always been interested in taking classes to learn how to make things-sewing clothes, weaving baskets, making lampshades, making books, and stenciling furniture while visiting a local craft store in the early 1990’s. I discovered some painted objects that I was quite taken with and wondered if I might be able to learn some painting skills as well. My first painting class was in 1990. After retiring from a 30 year career teaching middle school mathematics. I joined HOOT and SDP in 1999 and have been enjoying the wonderful world of decorative painting ever since. I have enjoyed taking classes, going to conventions, and teaching classes locally. It is a wonderful hobby!
Do you remember the first piece you painted?
Yes, there were two projects in my first painting class which I was able to take locally through our Parks and Recreation Department. The first one was painted on a wooden heart with a house design. The second project was a wooden tote that I still use to stor epaint in.
What are your favorite surface, medium and subject to paint?
My favorite surfaces are wood, canvas, paper and fabric.
My favorite mediums are acrylics, watercolor, colored pencil, and mixed media.
My favorite subjects are things in nature- flowers, animals, birds, fruit, vegetables and also whimsy.
Is there a project you still want to tackle?
My days of working on larger projects are over although I recently painted a couple of 18 x 24 batik watercolors that were quite a challenge but fun to do. I tend to work on smaller scale projects now such as cards and enjoy using designs from larger projects that I have painted in the past but made smaller to fit on a card.
What inspires you to paint today?
Other people’s work is what inspires me. I enjoy going to gallerys’ and art shows to see the creativity that others come up with and I find it very
inspirational. The cards that I make and send out to others hopefully will spark an appreciation for art in their world.
