In early years I tried to emulate my father, ask for his advice and voraciously read all his art books. I fancied myself a female Degas, painting ballerinas, butterflies and flowers a la Van Gogh. If only!

In highschool my siblings and I  chose art thinking it was an easy A.

As a kindergarten teacher for many years, I got excited about the children’s artwork and displayed it all around the classroom. Changing it often and encouraging young artists as much as I could. An art consultant for the board of education advised me to just paint, paint, paint. I took her advice to heart.

Life gets in the way so I needed time and motivation to create. I decided I needed more training and joined Cedar Ridge. Kay Long introduced me to watercolour and I was hooked!

Watercolour always seems to hold a little magic for me. Even when I have a vision of what I want to accomplish in a painting I always receive an element of surprise. I love how the water and paint come together magically.

As a watercolourist I look for relationships between colour, shape and textures. I love the Impressionists and have been influenced by my hero Claude Monet.

Nature and simple things are my inspiration. Thus leaves, trees and flowers are usually my subjects. To me a leaf is not just a leaf but a distinctive character. Each is unique in its colour, scent and way it turns and falls to the ground asking us to look closer with admiration. I tried to capture the quiet beauty that can be easily missed and play up any whimsical qualities I find alluring. Still Life is something I enjoy immensely. When I lack a subject I look around my environment for inspiration. My series of Vegetables from the Fridge is one result.

Viewing a French Impressionist exhibition was a special thrill I experienced not in the Louvre, but at the National Gallery in Beijing during my time teaching in China. One of my adult ESL students, Janet, in Yan Tai also spent extra time teaching me some calligraphy and watercolour techniques. A group of us visited local galleries together.

My teachers have been many but I admire Kay Long, Hi Sook Barker, Pam Erikson and my artist friends Barbe Blake, Sharon Weller Reynolds and Monique Aberle. You inspired and encouraged me. Thank you.

They have taught me to remember to keep a variety of values and to make decisions about my source of light when painting shadows and most of all to stop at the right time, otherwise things can look overworked and colours muddied. Watercolourists know this too well.

I feel honoured to show some of my work from time to time at local exhibitions, the Toronto Zoo and lately with the Art Guild of Scarborough virtual shows. Just to be among so much talent makes me truly humble. I am always surprised when I actually sell something, so pleased that someone values my efforts.