|
Artist's
Profile and Statement
 As
an artist, mother, and environmentalist, I think very deeply about things.
It is through children, animals, and nature that I get most of my inspirations
for they are subject to mankind's inventions and dilemmas and have no control
over the results of "progress." I like to think that we can someday
be in harmony with nature and create future generations that care about
all living things and that the quality of our children's lives improves.
My Commissioned
Paintings
The paintings I create are unique in that they are not mere copies of photos.
I like to design an original painting using various references (memories,
real life, photos, etc.) to best depict my subject matter and capture the
spirit essence and memory of it. Many times, people give me photos
of their pets, children, nature or country scenes, etc., but the
photos are missing features--they like a certain effect in one or an expression
in another. That's OK. I can make the painting the way you
want it, adding what the photo missed and/or what you tell me you
want it to convey. If requesting a wildlife painting, such
as a bird painting, and you do not have photos, I can take photographs
or use the numerous ones I have on file from nature field trips, and then
create the painting of your imagination. Just let me know your rough
idea and I will paint it, and also give it my unique style as well.
Everything I do is completely free-hand (no use of projectors, etc.) and
I strive for originality in style and design. My paintings also come
with a 100% satisfaction guarantee (see composing).
Many of my paintings have appeared in national art shows and on magazine
and book covers (see
published work).
Medium
Soft pastels are my favorite medium as their forgiving, flexible nature
and transforming magical powers render a depth and spirit essence of my
subject that is always beyond my expectations. The pastels
that I use are museum quality and are not chalk. They are pure
pigments of color in a clay base with an everlasting brilliancy
and durability exceeding that of other painting media over time.
Their archival colors remain unchanged for over 100 years and can withstand
direct sunlight in gallery windows as well as in temperatures of all kinds
without fading or becoming damaged. Dagas, Renoir, and Monet's soft
pastel paintings remain today as brilliant and vivid as they were when
they were first painted over 100 years ago.
It is deeply rewarding to be able to create a work of art for my clients
that is so life-like, (see example),
with true likeness of character and details, that it brings tears of joy
to their eyes. I have been told by clients that my paintings and
limited edition prints are among their most cherished possessions, holding
one of the highest places in their wills. I look forward to
working with you to create your special dream painting.
Sincerely,
Fine
Art Images
The
Art of Cytology
|
Art
Background
My abilities in
art were first recognized at a very young age starting in kindergarten.
Over the years I have taken many art courses, including soft pastel, oil,
watercolor, sculpture, textiles, and graphic design, and spent many hours
of studio time doing commissioned paintings and works of my own.
However, I believe my best art teacher has been "Time", time in the practice
of it.
I recently
completed a certification course in Neuro-Art
Therapy to better understand the "art-brain" connection and assist
in the wellness of individuals, particularly those with cognitive
disabilities (see also: neuroscience
and art therapy). I am a member of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
(teacher status), and have been a member of the United Pastelists' of America
as well as other art societies throughout the years.
Science and Nutrition Background
I obtained
a bachelor's degree in science in 1988 with a concentration in cytology
and environmental studies from WMU. I completed a one year medical
laboratory internship in cytology at William Beaumont Hospital and have
been an ASCP certified cytotechnologist
since 1979. During 2000-2007, I wrote and illustrated a book
on nutrition and the cellular changes associated with initial disease processes
called, The Art of Cytology with Micronutrient Discussions,
which is now available at bookstores such as Amazon.com
and Barnes
and Noble). Some of my cytology writings and color pencil
illustrations, such and
human papilloma virus and
folic
acid deficiency, have been used in medical articles, educational literature,
national scientific laboratory meetings, and a laboratory magazine cover
(see
published work).
In 2008,
I completed a nutrition consultation certification course from Blue
Heron Academy in 2008. I am now involved in their
medical massage course to become certified in this area as well.
Holistic
Health Background
In 2008, I earned
a master's certificate in Holistic Heath
Care from WMU. In one area of the program, I helped developed
and teach a holistic art course for Kalamazoo area young adults with disabilities.
In another area I wrote and illustrated a guide for health teachers and
professionals called, Folic Acid
and HPV Awareness: Combating Birth Defects and Disease Processes, to
help bring awareness of folic acid deficiency's
association with neurological birth defects and degenerative disorders
as well as the STD, HPV, the virus responsible for
most cases of cervical cancer. The manual also includes a PowerPoint
presentation which I have given to 9th grade health students and to a the
special education staff at the Van Buren County ISD during their first
ever health and wellness continuing education conference.
|
