I was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, a medium sized town in the Panhandle of Texas in 1948.  I’ve been drawing, painting, and art-ing since earliest memory. My first arts supplies were crayons from TG&Y, where I seriously coveted the Crayola 64 count box. I bought my first “real” art supplies at Varsity Bookstore. 

I took art classes whenever possible and drew constantly in school in spite of teacher’s objections. When I couldn’t get a good view of anything else, I drew my own feet. I still draw and paint myself and my life.

I married at 19, had kids, kept painting, then it just seemed not to be worth it. I had shows and since no one (sold one painting) but my parents wanted my work, I decided I should quit. For the most part I did quit for 40 years, but I allowed my creative self free reign in decorating my homes and cooking for a living. I worked in, owned and managed restaurants, catered, taught classes and eventually stopped after 25 years when the work was too demanding.

About 10 years ago, after retirement, I started doing glass mosaic and made pieces for my house and my family. That lead to a desire to paint again. I started taking classes online and locally. I use oils and acrylics both and love painting people and telling stories with my paintings.

I’ve got half a bedroom as my studio and I’m painting or sketching or taking online classes or online workshops daily.  I learn so much from other artists- ones I know personally or from social media groups.

The most important part of being an artist is to show my work to others. Their support and encouragement provide the fuel I need to energize me. I can now answer “I’m an artist” when people ask what I do. It’s a dream come true.