From early childhood, I’ve had a steadfast attraction and attachment to creating beautiful things…through drawing, painting, sewing, and photography as well as in other ways. I have always been fascinated by the interplay between darkness and light and color…especially vibrant colors. After retirement, I found more time for these activities, and my love for creating art took off. I began painting in watercolor and was amazed by how the paint morphed into interesting shapes and colors on what had been simple white paper. Recently, I decided to switch to oils and really found my true passion. My art is quite diverse and veers repeatedly towards the representation of light against shadows without sacrificing color. A scene or a photograph has to “grab” me in order for me to want to paint it. I like unusual subjects, some of them reflecting the fauna and flora of Florida. Others evoke a suspended moment in time. In the process of painting, I pour my energies into strokes, shapes, the alignment of colors, and creating moods. I hope to convey not only what “I see” but also my feelings and emotions.