My inspiration comes from many different experiences in my life.  I grew up in a home full of creativity; my mother is a well known designer and creator of miniature, very whimsical, collectible characters, bears and dolls.  From my mothers’ collections of antique dolls, antique furniture, antique bears and miniatures, as well as her fabulous creations and décor, my upbringing was truly extraordinary.

 

As a child, I was always making something
or drawing something
or
dreaming something.

   

 I began oil painting when I was 16 years old. 
I experimented with watercolor,
I went back to oils. 

 

In my early twenties I began working with my mother on a doll making project.  Soon after, I was designing and making my own.  My designs were composed of cloth, with wire armature, the face and limbs were gessoed and oil painted.  Looking back on this experience, it was the challenge of the creation that drove me, not the entire process- I realized sewing was not my cup of tea.  Then, yes, I was back to oil painting – on a flat canvas this time! After painting faces on tiny doll heads, painting on large canvases seemed
even more liberating than ever!

Mexican influence?  Yes, growing up and living in San Diego has obviously been an influence.  My husband is  Mexican- American, which brings the culture into our family.  Mexican artist, Diego Rivera, has also been an influence in my work.    
 

The thrill of my characters seeming to come alive, slowly emerging from a blank canvas, this is what drives me.  I begin my paintings by applying neutral washes, using a negative painting technique, creating the figures, their faces and general composition.  I feel that painting directly on the canvas, with no sketch first, gives me the greatest freedom.  The painting is gradually built up with color, layer upon layer.  As my characters and story take form and come alive, I smile and laugh to myself-
this is my passion.