I am a Kansas City native who returned to painting a few years ago after a 40-year hiatus. Happily, even though I wasn’t actively working on my art, my ability to view the world in colors and shapes never went away. I was able to take those observations and transfer them to my medium while maintaining the curiosity and wonder of a newcomer.
An interest in antique photos lured me into portrait studies after a 40-year break from my art. I love the faces, the expressions, and the attitudes of these, usually, long-forgotten people. The theme for all of these portraits is the story behind each picture. I love pondering what kind of life each of them had while I am working on their portrait.
I am fascinated by using a limited palette to create colors. I was taught in grade school that an artist only needs to use red, yellow, blue, and white to create every color. A background in commercial printing embedded that belief even deeper. I like to breakdown my paintings into the layers of color you would see if you were color separating a four-color process photograph. I complete this breakdown in my mind, with no computer aids, and it still thrills me to see the depth evolve as the layers go down.
Locally, I have had pieces in the Overland Park Art at The Center, in Plug Gallery, in the Hilliard Gallery, in the “Faces of Kansas City” show at the Epsten Gallery, a three person show at RG Endres Gallery, a three woman show at 80 Santa Fe Gallery, in the Annual Juried Show at Images Art Gallery, a solo show at HJ’s Gallery in Kansas City, and a solo show at All Soul’s Gallery in Kansas City. I have shown in multiple downtown Kansas City business through the ARTKC Go Now Showing Program. In addition, I was awarded two hearts in the Kansas City Parade of Hearts 2022.
Nationally, I’ve had pieces in the “Voices of the Midwest” exhibit at Fine Line Creative Art, St. Charles, IL, the “Finding Our Voices” show at Kelwood Gallery in Baton Rouge, the “Everything Blue” show at MVA Gallery in Bethlehem, PA, at the CAL International 2023 show at the Conroe Art League in Conroe, TX, and at the Fayetteville State Her Story exhibition.
I currently have studio space at the Zhou B Arts Center In Kansas City in the historic 18th & Vine district.