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What a Year

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So it seems I’m destined to do a yearly post... Every year I say I’ll post more and every year I find myself posting once! LOL -  So this year I won’t apologize because I suppose it’s expected of me now. Hopefully in 2022 I can scrounge up a bit more time to get this blog back into shape! Until then, here we are! And WHAT A YEAR…    Last time I posted I was only a month out of having major surgery on my hip (labral repair for those of you who are curious – not a replacement). It started out as a typical recovery and just went on and on… But with the help of amazing physical therapists, wonderful surgeons and a great acupuncturist I was finally released into the wild in May. My four month recovery turned into an eight month journey but at this point it’s obvious that all my hard work paid off!   I went from hardly being able to sit for more than 20 minutes, and barely walking to participating in three artisan markets, two art shows, and completing multiple portraits! I have to admit tha
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ART during the time of COVID

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Hello friends! Well, it is a strange time to be an artist. Frankly, it’s a strange time to be alive. Who knew when our kids were sent home from school in March, and we all hunkered down in our homes, this adventure would last this long. So here we are... I will be honest, I have been fortunate during this time. This lockdown has presented its challenges and it hasn't been easy for anyone. But as Helen Keller would say, "If you keep your face towards the sunshine you cannot see the shadow."  I'd love to share with you the work I've been able to do during this unprecedented time.  Work with Aurora Public Art COVID-19 PSA Signage Design My first opportunity came when I submitted a design for Aurora Public Art’s PSA Covid-19 Awareness Signs designed to bring encouragement to the community. I was so excited to get a chance to be involved with a local project here in Aurora. During the spring and summer you could see the 13 designs that were selected on election-size bo
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New Beginnings

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It's hard to believe that 2018 has already whizzed by and here we are in 2019! The rest of the year was a whirlwind of change, challenges, and fun in our house. Alley Art Festival - Aurora, IL I decided to get out of the studio and into the public by trying my first series of artisan markets and events. I really enjoyed chatting with customers about my work and getting feedback. It was fascinating to see what people were drawn to and what they wanted to see. I don’t think I could have gotten such great insight to my clients in any other way. Heritage Prairie Farm Artisan Craft and Food Fair - Elburn, IL  During the summer, I participated in the Batavia Artisan Collective and The Alley Art Festival . Being in an outdoor venue is not without its challenges (wind, rain, extreme heat!) but each show my booth grew and changed. I loved figuring out the best way to feature my work. These shows were so much fun I continued throughout the fall and winter, partaking in
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Moving on...

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Hello Friends! Last time I wrote it was a very difficult time. Thanks to everyone who contacted me and showed me so much support after losing my muse and best furry friend. We still miss her but as the expression goes "life goes on"... and so it does. Things have been quite busy over this last year. Since starting the role as Art Director at Fox River Academy of Music and Art last summer, I have done a real push in marketing and we have seen quite an increase in participation! I'm so proud to be a part of a facility that brings unique art education to kids and adults in the area. This past year my Manga and Comic workshops have been very popular as well as traditional drawing. All of the instructors have been doing great.  We have some really fun and exciting summer camps to offer this year as well! If you are interested please check out the upcoming schedule: Summer Camps and Workshops . Clever Student Sketchbook Covers I'm also happy to report that our sket
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Goodbye Sweet Muse...

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My apologies... I seem to have let my blog slip by during the spring and summer months. It's been a very busy season including teaching many art workshops, summer camps, and being promoted to the Art Director at Fox River Academy. As far as my work is going I have been full steam ahead. "Tennis Ball!",  Mixed Media, 2006 However the month of July took my breath away. My beautiful, sweet, smart, and loyal muse, Mattie the Border Collie, crossed over the rainbow bridge after giving me 13 years of joy (I had adopted her when she was only one year old).  Many of you knew her personally and others of you felt like you knew her from my work. Starting with my first Spring Show at the Academy of Art to being the main character in my thesis, Mattie was not only a fixture in my life but the inspiration for countless works of art. There is really something special about drawing someone you love.  It is a way to get to know them in a whole different way. I have put together a
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