Artist Statement
I love my home state and have watched many changes. I try to do my part along with so many other artists to tell a story of the Real Florida. My goal is to evoke a vibrant and enchanting world for you, the viewer, with an added hope that you are moved in your chosen way to protect our fragile and beautiful planet.
Graduating with an art degree in 1973, I have been a lifelong professional artist. I began my painting career as a featured artist for Island Art Gallery, Grand Cayman Island. Over my long career, in addition to being a creator, I have also served as a Gallery Director and organized and directed many significant plein air events as fundraisers for environmental organizations. Currently, my images are in numerous galleries throughout Florida and in private collections worldwide.
In addition to working as an artist, I am a skilled carpenter and built my home and studio in partnership with my husband. One of my fondest life achievements.
My original work sells quickly and for that reason most of the images you see on this website are only available as Archival Pigmented Ink Giclees. These are printed carefully by me and hand colored to add detail.
Beginning as a watercolorist, I developed, over a period of years, a mixed media technique to achieve richer color, lush surfaces and luminosity of imagery. I employ media as diverse as acrylic paint, watercolors, colored pencils, watercolor crayons, oil pastels, and my original photography in varying combinations depending on the piece. Many layers are required to build up the brilliant depth and color. I do not use the computer as an illustration tool. Each original piece is painted by hand.
Beloved wild places and coastal areas throughout Florida are a source of inspiration for me as well as my family’s acres of wild oak hammock that surrounds my studio. I have explored Florida from North to South and along both coasts. Brilliantly colorful renditions of palms, landscapes and wildlife are my main subjects. I also have a whimsical series that engages my love of whimsy, dreams and fantasy. You can see this side of my work at: www.enchantedhammockstudio.com