Through my paintings I have always hoped to touch the heart of the viewer-a smile, a memory, a desire to know the spirit of the creature or the beauty of nature. Although my early years were spent concentrating on verbal expression earning my journalism degree, I later discovered the world of visual expression.

For many years, I volunteered at zoos and nature preserves presenting conservation education programs. This gave me the opportunity to work hands on with a pack of gray wolves, some of who appear in my paintings. In 1998, I helped design, build, and manage an educational raptor center for non-releasable birds of prey. Here was a treasure trove of subjects.

Having now "retired" from over 25 years of teaching painting workshops to amateur artists in the US, Canada, and Argentina as well as authoring instructional art material, I can now concentrate on another aspect of the art world. I have enjoyed painting for sheer pleasure and learning about exhibiting and entering juried art shows. It is difficult to give up "education" once you begin, so I will still be touching the world of other artists with painting tips, some instructional materials, and product promotion.

We have recently moved to South Carolina-no more shoveling snow! I have entered the equine world now owning two horses. I have been deeply touched by the spirit of my horses and the many others I meet and am committed to spending much of my life in their world. Painting for years in oils and acrylics, I have found my watercolors again. The future is bright with creative ideas including using Feng Shui principles in creating designs.