ARTIST BIO
I am a self-taught artist from "Canada's Ocean Playground", the lovely east-coast province of Nova Scotia. I was raised in a very rural area surrounded by nature on the Atlantic coast. When I wasn't painting or drawing, I spent a lot of time in the forest and by the ocean near my home.
I have never taken a formal art course or lesson. I guess you could say my childhood spent drawing and painting was my education in art. Learning from art isn't something you 'graduate' from - you continue to learn with each new painting and the process is ongoing. My interest in art began at an early age. Growing up, I was most contented to be alone either painting, drawing, reading and writing in my journals – one of those quiet types. My father taught me about colour combinations and how to use watercolours when I was a little girl. He was a natural artist, also self-taught, but rarely had a chance to paint due to the demands of raising and supporting a family. Throughout junior high and high school, my favourite pastime was painting, mainly with acrylics; I was able to sell a few paintings to teachers. After graduating high school, I let the practicalities of life get in the way of making time for art.
My father passed away in Septembe 2016 and it was in his memory, in early 2017, that I finally picked up my paintbrushes again after a long hiatus from art in general. When I started to re-acquaint myself with the beauty of watercolours, it felt like coming home! The plethora of hours I spent drawing and painting in my youth came flooding back. It was like meeting up with a dear friend with whom you share such a close connection that you can just pick up where you left off. Now I try to paint every day, despite the demands of an office job and chronic health struggles.
I have a passion for detail and photo-realism with my art, and I endeavor whenever possible to capture the intricacies of wildlife and nature in my paintings. The majority of my artwork is inspired by the flora and fauna native to Canada, still life, as well as the "salty" landscapes of the Maritimes including quaint town-scapes. Painting bird life is my particular happy place!
I maintain a small studio space in my home. I also paint in sketchbooks during breaks on my "day job" at the office. While most (but not all) of my original paintings are done in my watercolour sketchbooks, 8.5"x11" prints of the originals are available. I am always grateful and honored when others appreciate my artwork enough to purchase it to enjoy in their living spaces.
When I'm not painting, I love being outside especially by the ocean or in the forest. I can often be found with my nose in a good book or my journal. My husband and I enjoy camping, hiking, canoeing, and playing with our 4 spoiled indoor cats. I'm also a self-taught professional bookbinder, since 2007. I like to pick up crochet projects from time to time.
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