Statements of Facts:

I was born on a rural West Virginia family farm. One of ten children raised there, my father growing much of our food on the farm and surviving on his West Virginia miner's salary. The family's farmhouse had lacked both indoor plumbing and central heat.
During my teenage years, I moved to Tennessee with my parents. My father was carpenter there.
I married my high school boyfriend at age 17.
We had five children. I now have nine grandchildren. I hope that I have to update this bio someday to include great grandchildren! Lord willin'.
The West Virginia Mountains, a family farmhouse, garden and farm animals are my roots.

Statements of Truth:

Whenever possible my paintings are begun plein air (out doors) and completed in my studio. I take reference photos on location and finish the work from these as well as from memory. I like to paint on wood panels as opposed to canvas. My painting medium has been oil for many years. During the past two years I have been painting in acrylics and watercolor as well. I enjoy the speed at which I can paint in these media as compared to oil.
In the future I plan to experiment with some new painting techniques and work to improve my color mixing skills. I would like to do more paintings of people.
My paintings feel personal to me the way meditation is personal. The talents we have whatever they are, are gifts from God. I was not afforded a formal art education, I have been basically self taught. I love to study about art and do so continually. Therefore, I hope to honor Him with the talent that He has allowed me.
My work is deeply rooted in my love of God's creation, both in a sense of personal searching and enlightenment I find in nature. The landscape expresses itself, many changes and moods it shows us. It can be violent and fearsome, or wonderfully peaceful. It is awesomely beautiful in each season of change. Looking and seeing the landscape is seeing God.
A sense of who we are can be gained by our observation of the landscape around us... we are not just individuals; we are part of the whole, living in the flow of creation.
I want my appreciation for Creation to show through my paintings.
I desire to create images that will leave you greatly affected with a passion and admiration for creation. God's creation beckons to every heart and soul, it is a living, visible testament to Him.

Statement of Fantasy:

My muse might tell it this way... I am persuaded that we are daily being invited to live in a geographically isolated state of mind. Come, live in a sparsely populated forest... by a creek in the woods. The light and shadow hide and protect all things here. All things are also living and growing by the light and shadows of the forest. Perhaps that is why you artists love light and shadow! Mysteries abound and endure here in forest and will forever more.
Moreover, I will forever more be thankful.