Artist's Statement

The creation of abstract paintings require a journey within and presents a challenge to the artist to develop a visual language that gives expression to that journey. The inspiration to become an abstract artist came from years of appreciating the work of the  Abstract Expressionists and the originals in North American and  European galleries. My sustained interest created a desire to express myself, painting in a metaphoric way.   

                       Biography

After completing degrees in Arts and Education at the University of Alberta,  I lived in Toronto, London, England, and the Vancouver area. As a teacher and principal, I spent my leisure time studying with numerous British Columbia artists and noted American artists in the Pacific Northwest. After retirement I moved to Victoria, BC, and spent several years being tutored in  abstraction by Bill Porteous, a master abstract artist and teacher. Attendance at summer course in abstraction at the Edinburgh College of Art in Edinburgh, Scotland gave me another perspective.  I hope that the results of my journey to abstraction engage the viewer and invite a response to the colours, textures and suggestions that the images evoke.

An art adventure in August of 2017 in Drezzo Italy, studying and experiencing painting in oil and cold wax medium, with world recognized experts, Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlan set me on the path to new art journey.  The adventure has continued through my own practice and working with Kathleen Menges and Serina Barton, experiencing the benefits of their unique styles.

                  Education

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education
University of Alberta, Edmonton

Master of Education
University of Western Washington
Bellingham, Washington, USA

Individual Course of Study
Bill Porteous Studio
Victoria, BC         

Towards Abstraction Summer Course
Edinburgh College of Art
Edinburgh, Scotland

Oil  and Cold Wax Course
Rebecca Crowell, Jerry McLauchlan
Drezzo, Italy

Private Tuition
Kathleen Menges
Abbotsford  BC, Canada

Multi day workshop
Serina Barton
Portland, Oregon
USA