When I moved to Portland in 1996 I was determined to make time in my life for something creative. I had been a batik artist in the late 1970s and early 1980s until I started to work full time in a medical office. I had not realized when I took the position, how working as an artist was a full time job. Even when I was not in my studio, my mind was always noticing shapes, textures and colors of everything around me – giving me inspiration for my studio work. My stressful job took up too much space in my head and I gradually dropped my artistic endeavors.
Before moving to Portland I had never painted on paper. I was attracted to watercolor because the process of layering colors reminded me of the batik technique of repeatedly dipping fabric into dyes building up layers of colors. I enrolled in watercolor classes at Portland Community College and was immediately hooked! Since then I have taken a series of classes and workshops to develop my skills. I am a signature member of WSO, NWWS and WFWS and have participated in many juried shows and received awards.
My paintings celebrate the places and people I meet while traveling. I treasure learning about their culture and the contributions they add to their world. Translating the beauty of this experience in watercolor is the inspiration for my work.
Before moving to Portland I had never painted on paper. I was attracted to watercolor because the process of layering colors reminded me of the batik technique of repeatedly dipping fabric into dyes building up layers of colors. I enrolled in watercolor classes at Portland Community College and was immediately hooked! Since then I have taken a series of classes and workshops to develop my skills. I am a signature member of WSO, NWWS and WFWS and have participated in many juried shows and received awards.
My paintings celebrate the places and people I meet while traveling. I treasure learning about their culture and the contributions they add to their world. Translating the beauty of this experience in watercolor is the inspiration for my work.
Memberships
Oregon Society of Artists – Juried Member
Watercolor Society of Oregon - Board Member, Treasurer ( 2008 - 2011) Membership (2014 - 2018), Signature Member
Western Federation of Watercolor Societies – Signature Member (2022) Signature Member
Northwest Watercolor Society – Member (2010 - 2025) Signature Member
Mt Tabor Art Walk - Committee Member (2006 - 2011, 2018 - 2025), Participant (2026 - 2025)
National Watercolor Society - Member
Watercolor Society of Oregon - Board Member, Treasurer ( 2008 - 2011) Membership (2014 - 2018), Signature Member
Western Federation of Watercolor Societies – Signature Member (2022) Signature Member
Northwest Watercolor Society – Member (2010 - 2025) Signature Member
Mt Tabor Art Walk - Committee Member (2006 - 2011, 2018 - 2025), Participant (2026 - 2025)
National Watercolor Society - Member
Workshops
2023 - Vera Dickerson - Bend, OR
2021 - Bev Jozwiak - Portland, OR
2021 - Ken and Stephanie Goldman (Online)
2019 - David Lobenberg - Portland, OR
2018 - Fran Larson - Florence, OR
2018 - Ruth Hoag - Oregon City, OR
2016 - Kathleen Conover - Silverton, OR
2015 - Jeannie McGuire - Tucson, AZ
2014 - Ruth Armitage - Portland, OR
2012 - Carla O'Connor - Portland, OR
2011 - Myrna Wacknov - Portland, OR
2009 - Chris Keylock Williams - Portland, OR
2009 - John Salminen - Cannon Beach, OR
2007 - Mel Stabin - Coupeville, WA
2007 - Ted Nuttall - Jacksonville, OR
2005 - Arne Westerman - Portland, OR
2021 - Bev Jozwiak - Portland, OR
2021 - Ken and Stephanie Goldman (Online)
2019 - David Lobenberg - Portland, OR
2018 - Fran Larson - Florence, OR
2018 - Ruth Hoag - Oregon City, OR
2016 - Kathleen Conover - Silverton, OR
2015 - Jeannie McGuire - Tucson, AZ
2014 - Ruth Armitage - Portland, OR
2012 - Carla O'Connor - Portland, OR
2011 - Myrna Wacknov - Portland, OR
2009 - Chris Keylock Williams - Portland, OR
2009 - John Salminen - Cannon Beach, OR
2007 - Mel Stabin - Coupeville, WA
2007 - Ted Nuttall - Jacksonville, OR
2005 - Arne Westerman - Portland, OR