Texas
What inspired your winning entry? Love and light. This is a painting of Makena, the younger of our two Rhodesian Ridgebacks. When I walked into our bedroom that sunny morning, there she was in her favorite spot—the foot of our bed—with sunlight pouring in through the window, casting incredible shadows through the carved headboard and putting half of her face in dramatic shadow. I didn’t have my camera, and I didn’t know how long she’d remain still. I held up my hand with a “Stay,” and she did, while I fumbled for my cell phone. I snapped several shots and chose my favorite picture, then I edited out a couple of unnecessary things and went to work. It was truly a labor of love.
How would you describe your style? I call it life realism. I try to depict a moment of life and portray at least a bit of a life story, leaving someone with a feeling, memory, or dream.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be? A novelist.
When you’re not painting, what do you like to do? Read, learn, discuss, and laugh with my husband; play with my Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Molly and Makena; “converse” with my African gray parrot, Mitzi; and wander around the wooded property we share with squirrels, bunnies, deer, and birds.
Where did you study art? At home, from a pile of books on how to paint with watercolors; then through a course at the Watercolor Art Society Houston, and through an ongoing critique class as well as workshops with David Rankin, Stephen Quiller, and John Seerey-Lester.
What galleries represent your work? Lovetts Fine Art Gallery, Tulsa, OK.
This story was featured in the December 2018 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2018 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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