My art education has been self-directed studying with some of the best in the medium of colored pencil and pastel.  From 2009 to 2011 I studied under Deborah Bays, master pastelist in atmospheric realism. Deb has instilled in me a love of dramatic lighting and working with edges to create depth and atmosphere.

I serve as the national president of the Colored Pencil Society of America.  I am an associate member of American Women Artists, a member of Impressionists Society of America, charter member of Missouri Valley Impressionists Society, and an associate juried member of the Oil Painters of America.

Some of my inspirations in the modern world of art are William Wray, Bill Creevy, David Shevlino, Quang Ho, Sherry McGraw and David Leffel.