One could characterize my journey to Abstract painting as being through the back door, but I think the screen door is more accurate. From childhood, I always knew that I wanted to be a fashion designer. So, it followed that I attended the University of Houston in my home town, majoring in Fashion Design and ultimately receiving a Bachelor of Science degree. The curriculum included not only the nuts and bolts of design construction and pattern making, but many studio courses in drawing, painting, fashion illustration, color and design. As the visual arts were not a part of my formative years, my introduction to the visual arts via studio courses was a powerful nurturing experience. Extracurricular lectures in Art History led me on an exciting pathway of discovery, including art forms from ancient times, the elegance of classical art and architecture, and the bravery of the Impressionists that gave birth to Modern Art.

My work experience following college was quite varied and included Fashion Coordination, Textile Demonstration, Secretarial and Administrative work and as a Retail Buyer at our hometown favorite, D.H. Holmes, LTD.  Work took me from Houston to New York, New Orleans and Chicago. During this time, I married and started a family. Through a friend and an unexpected coincidence, I opened my own Couture business for private clients in New Orleans. For 24 years, I designed and made one-of-a-kind fashions, ranging from wedding gowns, cocktail attire, debutant wardrobes and too many Queens of Mardi Gras Balls to count.

Fast forward to the present. Several years ago, I enrolled in Abstract Painting classes at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts (NOAFA). I quickly discovered that Abstract painting is more complicated and nuanced than the casual observer may realize. Through classes with the accomplished, professional artists who teach at the Academy, I have had a very thorough experience in painting, color mixing, composition, design as well as collage. Concentrated workshops at NOAFA, furthered the in-depth experience. At the beginning of the Pandemic last year, a faculty member of the Academy volunteered her time to teach an online in-depth class in Collage, with weekly Zoom critique sessions. Needless to say, it was an extraordinary experience for all of us, as well as providing a port in the storm, so to speak. While I have grown as an artist, I realize there is so much more to observe and absorb. Student is a title that I will always wear, as I continue classes at NOAFA and look forward to each new opportunity to learn and expand my craft.

Describe your art in three words.

Comfortable, engaging, colorful   

What do you love the most about creating art in New Orleans? What particular part of your immediate environment, in your neighborhood specifically influences your work?

The variety of approaches, mediums, and types of Art that seem to co-exist easily. Colors, sounds and music can influence my work, as well as painting with other artists in class or open studio.

Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece?

It varies from day to day. I may decide to draw a grid in graphite, or write a word in different sizes many times, or cover a canvas in a favored color, before I begin to establish a composition.

Where do you draw Inspiration?

A photograph, the notes from a previous class, always color, a piece of painted paper, or a page from my journal.

Who are your artistic influences or gurus?

Certainly, the Impressionists, Matisse, Robert Motherwell, Nicolas De Stael, Diebenkorn, Joan Mitchell. Of course, the Abstract Faculty at NOAFA.

In New Orleans, art and music go hand in hand. What type of music, band or song lyric best describes your work?

I’m showing my age, but I love Frank Sinatra and the music of his generation. Give me a great ballad any day. If I choose a different era, The Beatles are great to paint with. I often listen to Channel 947 or the Golden Oldies on TV when I am painting.

Where can we find you when you are not creating art?

If my granddaughters lived here, I would be playing with them. They also love to paint with me. The quarantine of this past year fostered a new appreciation for our home. I enjoy our porches, reading and watching movies.

What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?

Often evening, when we gather together at the end of the day. My favorite day is when I can paint all day. I don’t have a favorite month as such. There are too many things I enjoy in nearly every month. Prior to the Pandemic, one of my favorite months, was the month we would travel to Europe in the summer.

What is something people don’t know about you? A fun fact.

I am addicted to popcorn.

All works listed online are available to be viewed at Where Y’Art Works Gallery by appointment.

Providence, RI

The New Orleans Academy of Art (NOAFA) Student Shows

Student Fair NOAFA

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