My art background is primarily in Art Education. I have an undergraduate degree in Art History and English, a Master’s of Education, and a Specialist in Visual Art Education. Over the years I have worked with many children at all grade levels and many teachers. I have also been a guest lecturer at the Teachers’ College at Queen’s University and have taught many continuing education programs.

My personal art training has been very eclectic as I have studied with a variety of local artists and have studied Art History as part of my undergraduate degree at Queen’s University. During the early 90’s I spent two years living in Paris, France where I attended continuing education classes sponsored by the New York Parson’s School of Design at its Paris campus. At that time I worked primarily in pastels and watercolours.

In Paris, I participated in two Art Expositions at the Canadian Embassy in the spring of 1993 and again in 1994. I have been involved with the Belleville Art Association since the late ’60s and have had my work shown in many of the juried shows. I have received several awards including best in show, juror’s choice, most creative and best use of colour, plus many honourable mentions. I am also a member of the Prince Edward Art Association and in the past, the East Central Ontario Arts Association (ECOAA).

I believe the greatest impact on my art has come from the many hours that I have spent in the D’Orsay Museum in Paris admiring and studying the work of the Impressionists. This particular group of artists have inspired me to use colour boldly, joyfully play with the paint, and to use brushes and tools of the trade-in creative ways. They have also given me the confidence to find inspiration everywhere.

My preference at the moment is acrylic because it is fun to push it around on the canvas and I love the layering effect that can be achieved. The subjects that I choose to paint are as eclectic as my own art background and I find this always inspiring.