Oscar Van Young and Robert Uecker were instrumental in reviving my interest in art. One was an oil painter in the 60’s and Robert Uecker was a very interesting watercolor painter, I began attending his classes in the early 80’s. He never hesitated when he was ready to paint he painted. Every stroke counted.
Painting at Manzanar National Monument with Henry Fukuhara during his annual workshop for many years, and two trips to Mt. Carmel in Utah to paint with Milford Zornes, have certainly made a lasting impression. I have also had the great experience of painting with at least 50 others on a trip to Canyon de Chelly. These trips allow artists to learn from each other and enjoy the camaraderie of people with the same interests, a very inspiring and enriching experience.
In addition to what I have learned from the many painting trips, my art education consists of classes and workshops with many fine painters, mostly watercolor painters although, I am expanding into other areas, I do not think I will ever abandon transparent watercolor. I was fortunate to be chosen as one of the “Ones to Watch” in the December 2008 issue of Watercolor Artist Magazine. I served as Exhibition Chair for four years 2005 – 2008 for Watercolor West. I have just completed my second term as President of Watercolor West, An International Transparent Watercolor Society.
I have won numerous awards for my work and have had my work accepted in the 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Watercolor West Juried Exhibitions, earning Signature Membership. I was awarded the Ben and Mary Rabe award in the 2009 exhibition. 2005 and 2008 National Watercolor Society’s Members Show, 2006 , 2008, 2009 San Diego Watercolor Society International Show earning Signature Status. My work was also selected into the 2007 National Watercolor Society Exhibition, receiving the Henry Fukuhara Award and selected for the Travel Show. I was invited to participate in the 2008 Taiwan International Watercolors Painting Exhibition. 2009 accepted into the California Watercolor Assoc. 40th National Exhibition, and the 2009 and 2011 Transparent Watercolor Society of America Exhibition. In 2010, my work was accepted into the 143th American Watercolor Society Exhibition in New York, an experience to remember. In 2012 my painting was accepted into the 3rd Annual American Signature Exhibit in Fallbrook, CA. The show included the travel shows of both the National Watercolor Society and the American Watercolor Society. In 2013 my painting “Pier at Avila Beach, Morro Bay” was accepted into the SDWS 33rd International Exhibition. Also, my painting “Docked” was accepted into the 45th Annual Watercolor West Juried International Exhibition, both paintings receiving awards.
I am a member of many local art organizations: Women Painters West, Pasadena Society of Artists, San Gabriel Fine Arts Association, Mid-Valley Arts League, Watercolor West, National Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society of America, American Watercolor Society, to name a few.
