Portfolio of Works

Growing up in rural Wisconsin meant huge snow drifts, ice skating & skiing on week-ends, and lots of snow forts. Winter of 2009 was a cold snowy old fashioned one. I decided to venture out of my studio and into the elements, it is now my most favorite Plein Air season. Frozen Lake Michigan full of ice-canos, rivers and inland lakes partially frozen and changing colors , fields and structures covered in snow: a simplicity of form that is always inspiring and invigorating. Lots of layers and those great inventions- hand-warmers- enable me to stay outside for 2-3 hour sessions before the paint becomes gooey and I need a cup of cocoa!

My landscapes are predominately plein air impressionistic pieces.  All of the Wisconsin seasons are my inspiration.  Some are pure landscapes and others include a touch of something man-made, a barn and sometimes the landscapes are "townscapes". In the summer, my favorite place to paint is sitting in my little boat!  All are focused on atmospheric light and the play of sunlight.

These paintings were all completed en plein air while I was sitting in my 13 ' whaler out on the lakes.  I grew up on these beautiful Wisconsin inland lake in a more simple time.  When I am painting, the happy memories come flooding back .  It is a wonderful way to spend a few summer hours. I am thankful that these old boathouses have been lovingly taken care of.  It is a gift!

An UpDate to my message of 2013!     I traveled back to Vence in March 2025 along with my daughter and her family.  My daughter had spent her Junior year of HS with my husband and I in Vence.  That was 30 years ago !  Lots of memories, lots of changes, but will always be a very special place for us.   I will be posting more paintings here.  

Back to where it all began.  Nineteen years ago, I began my journey of spending countless hours with brush in hand standing in front of an easel.  In early November 2013,  I revisited the hilltop town of Vence, France on the Cote d'Azur.  A few days in Paris began the vacation and then it was "back home" for 10 days of visiting old vistas and the few friends that remain.  A lot has changed and a lot has remained the same, but the inspiration of the light and beauty of the region continues to challenge me to paint!  Unfortunately, the joy of the trip was dampened by the news that my original teacher, Mitch Waite was courageously battling brain cancer.  I am so happy that I was able to visit with him for a few precious minutes.  Mitch lost his battle on November 10.  The painting "Memories.."  is dedicated to him.  I will be forever grateful for his patience, enthusiasm,  sense of humor, talent, and his gift to me of a new life of art making.

Most Springs, I head to southwest Florida for a few weeks of sunshine, warmth , family fun and beach time.  I usually paint a few small Plein Air works while there and also take a ton of photos to paint from in the winter.  Here are a few of my Florida works.

These works were all completed while I was a contestant in various Plein Air Competitions in Southeastern Wisconsin.  No studio touch ups here!

Occassionally I will stay in my small home studio and paint a still life.. always from life, never from photos!   I imagine I have a limited amount of time and paint these compositions in my impressionistic manner.  Always striving for freshness and wet on wet.