Retirement in 1991 provided me with the opportunity to paint and draw, that years of formal education and careers, first as a teacher and then as a librarian denied me. So I came to painting with enthusiasm, excitement and pent up desire, suddenly unleashed. So many years later, they are still in full flood.

The subjects I choose appeal to me for their aesthetic qualities, especially rich colour, sensual shape and the play of light and shadow. My inspiration comes from nature and, less often, from literature. I love the outdoors and paint from nature whenever this is possible, heat and insects being less problematic than wind and rain. I am an amateur photographer and often use my photographs as a reference for my paintings. I enjoy working in several media including pastel and water colour (sometimes in combination with ink) oil and acrylic.

Recently, I have been focused on abstract and non-objective painting in acrylic. This has involved a continuing learning process, not only with regard to handling the medium, but in moving through various stages of abstract composition. I am aiming high. My effort is directed toward the expression of ideas and emotion in original and beautiful paintings.

When I lived in England, I took courses at Goldsmith's College School of Art as an evening student and have, in fact, been a part time student of the graphic arts all my life. I continue to study: reading, visiting galleries and taking courses in Alberta and the U.S. I have studied with many well-known artists including David Goatley, Harry Kiyooka, Ilda Lubane, Harry Savage, Bev Tosh and Dirk van Wyk.

I have shown my work in several art galleries in the Edmonton area including Eagle One, Art Beat, the Sussex Gallery and most recently, the Front Gallery. I have exhibited on several occasions with the Edmonton Art Club, the Society of Western Canadian Artists, the Art Society of Strathcona County and the Allied Arts Council at the Little Church Gallery. My work has also been exhibited in Arizona.

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