When I am not "painting" I try to participate in as many local, regional, and national shows as possible. I also teach Colored Pencil workshops and am an active member of the local Art Society. I have been a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America since 1995, earning signature member status in 1997. I have had images of my work included in the books, "The Best of Colored Pencil III", and "The Best of Colored Pencil IV", published by Rockport Publishing, Rockport, Mass. in 1996 and 1997 respectively. Most recently I was awarded a Regional Artist's Project Grant for emerging Artists from the North Carolina State Arts Council.

I also enjoy gardening. I try to grow unique and unusual flower varieties to use as subject matter in my paintings. The flowers in my garden usually inspire me to start a new painting. Even in a still-life, I try to incorporate at least one flower into its composition. I also include items which have special meaning to me such as an old lace fan, an antique clock or a crocketed cloth, items that evoke memories of my home and family.

I am currently working on a series of paintings which reflect the variety of nature in a series called "Earthly Presents". Each piece represents a sliver, just a glimpse, of the immense subject matter that can be found in nature along the sides of roads, or among fallen leaves, etc.

I am also working on a continuing series called "Blind Images". These pieces are basically still-lives which reveal the unusual light and shadow effects cast on subjects through window blinds. These paintings create a unique callenge in capturing the light on, in, behind, and around the focal point of the piece.

My goals are simple. While the subject matter I choose remains similar, I try to achieve something unique in each piece, such as a new color combination, a different sense of texture, or an interesting display of light and shadow. When these new goals are met with good results, it pushes me further, trying to achieve more with each new painting that I undertake.