I’m originally from Michigan where I grew up on a Christmas tree farm. My parents were ardent naturalists and taught me to respect the land and its inhabitants. The distinct season changes allowed me to observe and draw a variety of wild and domestic animals and birds which are often reflected in my artworks.

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t paint or draw. As a teenager, I studied at the Kalamazoo Art Institute. After high school, I majored in sculpture at the University of Michigan where I received my bachelor’s degree.

I received more formal art training at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Here, the emphasis was on classical art training; and I was fortunate to be in a demanding environment under skilled and generous instructors. As part of an internship, I worked with Koko, the sign language gorilla, at the Gorilla Foundation in Woodside, CA.

Each year, I spend at least one week with renowned instructors to continue to hone my art skills. My quest for growth as an artist is never-ending.

I have been a professional artist for more than fifteen years. I was a successful muralist and trompe l’oeil artist in the Chicago area. My work has been featured in San Francisco Magazine, Chicago Home & Garden, Romantic Homes Magazine and This Old House Journal.

My studio is now near Palm Springs, CA. I paint in all media, primarily in oils, on smaller canvases. I also do work on commission: murals, portraits of children, pets, scenes from photos, etc.

Here’s a list of my clients:

Ms. Roberta Allen - Oak Park, IL • Mr. & Mrs. Arrenberg - Lemont, IL • Ms. Paula Barnett - Glen Ellyn, IL Ms. Selma Belajec - River Forest, IL • Ms. Tricia Berry - Hinsdale, IL - Mr. & Mrs. Jim Brace • Hinsdale, IL Ms. Paulette Cary - Oak Park, IL • Chicago Kitchen & Bath Design - Chicago, IL • Mr. & Mrs. Mike Cokie - Chicago, IL Ms. Patty Cone - Oak Park, IL • Mr. & Mrs. Cooney - River Forest, IL • Mr. John Cossa - Chicago, IL Senator & Mrs. Dan Cronin - Elmhurst, IL • Mr. & Mrs. Michael Cummings - Hyde Park, IL Dr. & Mrs. R. Daly - Orland Park, IL • Digilio Decorating - Forest Park, IL • Mr. & Mrs. Reuben Donelly - Oak Park, IL Ms. T. Flynn - River Forest, IL • Dr. Elizabeth Frye - River Forest, IL • Ms. Linda Girsch - Hinsdale, IL Ms. Mimi Glass - Lake Forest, IL • Ms. Judy Gleason - Lake Forest, IL • David Heinz Custom Woodworking - Oak Park, IL Hernandez & Wood Interior Design - Oak Park, IL • Drs. Jeejy & Mable Kalathiveetil - Burr Ridge, IL Mr. & Mrs. Doug Kellner - Oak Park, IL • Ms. D. Kern - Oak Brook, IL • Ms. Karen Kolwitz - Naperville, IL Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lamb - Lyle, IL • Celeste Mariotti Interior Design - Oak Park, IL • Ms. M. Mauer - Winfield, IL Dr. & Mrs. McKay McKinnon - Kenilworth, IL • Sandy Meade Interior Design - Oak Park, IL Ms. Julie Merhar - River Forest, IL • Ms. Donna Norder - Darien, IL • O’Baran, Inc. Fine Woodworking - Oak Park, IL Ms. Valarie Pagnini - Danville, CA • Dr. & Mrs. Steven Rembos - Downers Grove, IL • Mr. & Mrs. C. Rexer - New Lenox, IL Juliann Robinson, “Les Beaux” - Danville, CA & Oak Park, IL • Ms. Peggy Romano - River Forest, IL Ms. Kathy Salero - Chicago, IL • Ms. Diane Schwitz - Clarendon Hills, IL • Mr. & Mrs. Rob Smeltzer - Oak Park, ILAnnette Springer Interior Design - Oak Park, IL • Mr. & Mrs. J. Sullivan - Oak Park, IL • Ms. L. Van Damne - Chicago, IL Jackie Walsh Interior Design - Oak Park, IL • Ms. K. Walsh - Hinsdale, IL • Ms. Roque Weiland - River Forest, IL Villa Verone Restaurant - Geneva, IL