photo by Allison Snelling, Gravenhurst Banner
A bit about me...
I was born in Yorkshire, England, and have been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil. My mother, who studied briefly at Leeds College of Art, was my earliest teacher.
When I was 5, our family moved to Canada and I grew up in Toronto. Even though I always loved drawing, the idea of pursuing a career in art seemed daunting to me. Instead I followed a more conventional path and for many years used my writing and presentation skills behind the scenes in public television.
A turning point came in 1994 when a devastating illness halted my career and very nearly ended my life. Diagnosed with terminal liver disease of unknown origin, I was told my only hope of survival beyond a year was to receive a transplant. At that time, just as today, receiving a donor organ was far from a sure thing. I was one of the very fortunate; the generous gift of an anonymous donor gave me a second chance. Every day I remember the courage of my donor's family; how they thought of others in the midst of what had to have been heartbreaking loss. It was an experience that not only transformed my life, but also profoundly altered my priorities. One decision I made was that I would no longer think of art as "something I'd do later."
So I started painting. Sporadically at first, but when my husband and I moved to from the city to the small Muskoka, Ontario town of Gravenhurst in 2000, I found myself in the midst of a vibrant community of local artists. I joined life-drawing and portrait groups, and attended nearby workshops. I became a member of Muskoka Arts and Crafts and served for several years as the organization's president. I devoured art books and magazines, observing the techniques of artists whose work I admired, such as Burton Silverman, Daniel Greene, Chris Saper, Harley Brown and David Leffel. Most of all I just kept painting.
In the years that followed my paintings appeared in numerous group shows as well as in solo gallery exhibitions. In 2010, I felt especially honored to have eight of my historical portraits placed on permanent display in the Town Hall of Gravenhurst. In addition to showing in galleries, I spent two years as a member of the online gallery, Daily Paintworks. This wonderful site not only introduced my work to many new buyers, but also connected me to some wonderful artists from around the world.
I am gratified that my gallery paintings have become popular sellers, and that I also receive private portrait commissions. Getting the occasional award is fun too, but I paint because it's what I love to do. When one of my paintings touches someone and they select it for their home, that's icing on the cake. I'm very pleased that my paintings are in private collections not only in Canada, but also throughout the U.S., and most recently in the U.K.
I was born in Yorkshire, England, and have been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil. My mother, who studied briefly at Leeds College of Art, was my earliest teacher.
When I was 5, our family moved to Canada and I grew up in Toronto. Even though I always loved drawing, the idea of pursuing a career in art seemed daunting to me. Instead I followed a more conventional path and for many years used my writing and presentation skills behind the scenes in public television.
A turning point came in 1994 when a devastating illness halted my career and very nearly ended my life. Diagnosed with terminal liver disease of unknown origin, I was told my only hope of survival beyond a year was to receive a transplant. At that time, just as today, receiving a donor organ was far from a sure thing. I was one of the very fortunate; the generous gift of an anonymous donor gave me a second chance. Every day I remember the courage of my donor's family; how they thought of others in the midst of what had to have been heartbreaking loss. It was an experience that not only transformed my life, but also profoundly altered my priorities. One decision I made was that I would no longer think of art as "something I'd do later."
So I started painting. Sporadically at first, but when my husband and I moved to from the city to the small Muskoka, Ontario town of Gravenhurst in 2000, I found myself in the midst of a vibrant community of local artists. I joined life-drawing and portrait groups, and attended nearby workshops. I became a member of Muskoka Arts and Crafts and served for several years as the organization's president. I devoured art books and magazines, observing the techniques of artists whose work I admired, such as Burton Silverman, Daniel Greene, Chris Saper, Harley Brown and David Leffel. Most of all I just kept painting.
In the years that followed my paintings appeared in numerous group shows as well as in solo gallery exhibitions. In 2010, I felt especially honored to have eight of my historical portraits placed on permanent display in the Town Hall of Gravenhurst. In addition to showing in galleries, I spent two years as a member of the online gallery, Daily Paintworks. This wonderful site not only introduced my work to many new buyers, but also connected me to some wonderful artists from around the world.
I am gratified that my gallery paintings have become popular sellers, and that I also receive private portrait commissions. Getting the occasional award is fun too, but I paint because it's what I love to do. When one of my paintings touches someone and they select it for their home, that's icing on the cake. I'm very pleased that my paintings are in private collections not only in Canada, but also throughout the U.S., and most recently in the U.K.