Where are you from?
I was born in Johnstown PA and spent my childhood there!
What was the first painting you sold?
I sold my first painting in college. It was a soft and dreamy landscape done in watercolor and the president of the college bought it for his home.
When did you decide to become an artist?
When I was in 2nd grade, but I never really dedicated myself to it until my kids were in college!
Where do you paint?
I paint, mostly in the afternoons in my small studio at home; it has large windows, giving the effect of a treehouse---or, if painting en plein air, I am out in the morning!
What hangs on your walls?
A mix of painters whose work I admire (Scott Burdick, Susan Lyons, Kevin MacPherson, Ted Goerschner, Sherrie McGraw, Diane Eugster - lots of figures!), along with my work, my painting friends' work - - I am always moving things around!
If you could paint like another artist, who would it be?
It would definitely be like Joaquin Sorolla! Sundrenched, confident and sparkling!
If you were given money to start your own museum, what would you load it with?
Oh, if I could start my own museum, it would have lots of Sorolla, Sargent, Sergei Bongart, Mary Cassatt and Robert Henri...
What do you listen to when you paint?
I listen to such a nutty mix of music - classical, sound tracks of Mamma Mia and The Jersey Boys, Rod Stewart, with a bit of new age thrown in!
What are your passions other than art?
My sweet and adorable little granddaughter, my soulmate, Michael, my friends, staying fit and cooking simple and real food. Meanwhile, my absolute favorite thing to eat is pommes frites (!) and lots of delicious wines to drink.
If you could take back a painting that you’ve sold, what would it be and why?
Right now, it would be one of a child on her bicycle, where I caught a moment and a spirit that I aim to achieve in my work. Next year my answer would no doubt be a different one!
What books are on your bedside table?
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert; Alla Prima by Richard Schmid; and tons of magazines!
What is your least favorite thing about being a professional artist?
Commissions! So I rarely do them (I get this homework thing going on, and procrastinate like crazy)...
What is your favorite thing about being a professional artist?
It is the relationships I have with other painters and with my 2 gallerinas, who encourage and challenge me! Also -- I totally love when collectors buy and enjoy my paintings...
What are your essential tools of the trade?
I can't paint without a roll of paper towels under my left arm -- truly! I am the paper towel queen (VIVA)!!
Where would we find you, if you could live anywhere?
I so don't wish to be anywhere other than where I am -- perhaps I would like to live a year in France, so I could really paint there, but I am pretty content living here and getting to travel a lot. My fave city is Paris, of course-- I get so excited just being on the streets!
If you couldn’t paint, what would you do?
I think I would love to be an art consultant...there is so much beautiful work being done at this time, and I would love to guide people in their choices.
What do you do in your spare time?
I talk, walk, eat, run around and entertain...
If we got a sneak peak at your frig, what would we always find?
I can't live without Greek yogurt in my frig..how dull is that? My fave beverage is Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay, or a nice glass of Veuve Cliquot.
Can you tell us something about yourself that we’d never guess?
I bet you'd never guess I was an undercover police woman on Cape Cod for the summer I graduated from college!
How do you wake up in the morning?
I wake up each morning all charged up! I just want to get up and have some fun...right now painting is fun for me, and the acceptance of my work has been so gratifying!
Who has been the greatest influence on your life?
My dad - the spirit of our family, and my booster in all things!
|
