My trip to Paris

It was a dream come true, to visit the places where so much history happened, where paintings were created, and to go to the museums where some of the most famous works of art in the world are on display … from Giverny to Versailles, the Louvre to Musée de l Orangerie. It was a…

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A Quiet Place

I am still recovering from Covid 19, it’s been three weeks. Initially it was not so terrible, after two days of a low fever I thought the worst was behind me. About a week after testing positive one of my ears became clogged, and I was experiencing some hearing loss. My primary care physician reassured…

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Before and After

I’ve been spending time reviewing some of my older encaustic paintings and have reworked a few of them, this first example shown above has changed completely from the original. I had painted the Sugar Hill Lupines back in 2016 and at the time had done a series of lupine paintings. I used an electric tjanting…

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Southern Cal Inspired

I am just back from a quick visit to see my two daughters in San Diego. What a nice change of scenery from the cold winter days here in Chicago. We made a point of doing vacation-type activities and a highlight for me was visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. I was surprised to…

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Upcoming Solo Show

I have been slowly but surely framing my favorite pastel paintings, preparing for a solo show down the road. The opportunity to exhibit this month was unexpected but I jumped at the opportunity because I am ready! I’ve already decided to include 24 pastel paintings. The pandemic became a perfect opportunity to learn more about…

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Summer at the Lake

I’ve never been much of a beach person, I’ve always preferred swimming in a chlorinated pool! This summer has been different though, I’ve been inspired to be in nature, craving a walk along the beach, looking through the tall grasses and finding art inspiration. These visits to Lake Michigan have led me to a new…

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Gesso and Pastels

Recently I became aware that soft pastel and encaustic aren’t that different! A few characteristic qualities I love about the encaustic medium are the ability to create textures and depth, being able to layer three-dimensional color, and experiencing tactile art making. I feel like using gesso to prepare the pastel surface gives me the same…

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Flowers in the Air…

… and Art Festival Season is only a few months away! The light at the end of the COVID tunnel, winter’s end and brighter days have inspired me to paint warmer landscapes. I have spent most of the year better learning soft pastels and it finally feels like my paintings are maturing. I continue to…

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Sunrise & Sunset

I have always been drawn toward the colors in the sky, the glow just as the sun is rising or about to set. The yellow- orange- pink- purple- blue- combinations are breathtaking and limitless. I try to re-create a feeling in my paintings rather than what I actually see. There is room for individual interpretation…

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Finding A Way

A world-wide virus that just doesn’t want to go away, making a resurgence right now, has changed the world forever. I have trouble watching the news, although there are no surprises, it’s just hard to hear about the never ending death and sadness. One of my coping mechanisms is to have a creative outlet and…

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