Since the age of 7, I have loved to draw. I have drawn many things over the years but drawing portraits has always been my favorite.

People fascinate me.

No one looks the same. Not even identical twins. When you look very closely, you can see something different. Enter my fascination with drawing and painting people. Capturing an expression--a pose, a look, a gesture, this is what moves me. My intention is to look for something that others might have overlooked. Having been trained as a graphic designer, I like to mix things up--change the background or the angle at which I see a person.

Painting with oils is my forte. It requires patience and time.

It is a sensual medium that allows me to take my time and do it well. There is a process that sets the stage before I put paint on that canvas. Each step is important. From mixing the paints, to choosing the correct brushes, these steps are necessary to express the effects I have in mind. It is a welcome challenge to apply the precise amount of pressure coupled with certain strokes to get the paint to express what I envision.

Another thing about oils—They are very forgiving! Oils allow me to change perspective, to change my mind, and make corrections until my canvas matches what resides in mind and heart.

Now that I have retired from the fire service, I live to paint! I constantly think about creating something new. My sketch book allows me to play around and practice with various ideas. Sometimes life gets in the way, but I look forward to getting back to the canvas.

I know I am truly blessed to possess this gift. I never get bored; I can always create something. I am limitless!