I started drawing at the age of 7 years old. My first drawing was a stick horse with a huge flowing mane and tail. I was so proud of my wonderful picture; I just knew my Mom would be just a delighted with it as I was. I remember, showing my picture to my Mom, who proceeded to tell me what a good job I did. This just encouraged me to draw herds of lovely stick horses. Of course, those first renderings weren’t much to look at but if it had not been for my Mother I truly do not believe I would not have gotten as far as I have.
In my late teen’s & very early 20’s, I exhibited my work at the county fairs in Youth and Amateur which I did very well. I also went to College to study Graphic Design and Photography but found I didn’t have the right personality to do this type of work. My biggest problem was drawing on demand which took a lot of the fun out of being creative. Then I stopped drawing for a very long time. I guess you could say that life got in the way. I dabbled here and there with a few rendering but nothing serious.
In 2005, one of my co-workers lost her grandson who was a very young child. I could understand the heart ache and anger she felt at this unnecessary death. And I wanted to give something to her to remember him by. I started drawing. During the time between my very early 20’s and very late 30’s the difference in my renderings were like night and day. My greatest support my Mom said that there was a maturity in what I was doing that wasn’t there before. I think that the loss of my daughter played a factor in that. Before I would have to say, I was trying to force the creativity. Now, it’s more like I allow everything I am feeling to flow into my art work.
The summer of 2008, I started showing my art work again. My first show was the Oregon State Fair where I entered my rendering “READY” and received 4th place out of 163 entries. My next show was the Black, White & Gray show sponsored by the Kaiser Art Association. I entered two renderings “READY” and “Gooseneck Creek Willamina Oregon”. I received 1st place for my rendering “Gooseneck Creek Willamina Oregon”.
I hope you enjoy, my art.