About

 

By age 3, I was known for my exuberantly-colored, richly patterned artworks. Once my two younger sisters were old enough to play school, I sat them down for regular art lessons. Together, we drew strawberries, princesses, and prancing ponies. All the things I liked best.

 

But then everything changed.

I started "real" school where I was told to color inside the lines — of other people's drawings.

In 4th grade, I won my school's highest art award. But I knew I'd traced the rearing stallion at the center of the piece and was left awash in shame and guilt. I was convinced I was a fraud.

I got really good at copying other artist's works. I shut down my own ideas. I didn't have anything to say. It felt dangerous to create my own originals.
After all, there was art that was "good" and "right" ... which was created by others. Then there was my art, whatever that was.
 

Many years — and 6 kids — later, I moved our family from suburban Chicago across the country to North Carolina's outer banks. 

My crew was growing up. There was finally a little time for my interests. And the change in physical location brought a perspective shift. 

An online coach suggested that I could create a body of art with a 100-day project. 

"Interesting idea, but I don't have anything to share."

But the idea persisted.

But then...

I took a deep breath and made a hasty decision.

"Fine. I'll do it."

Day One was amazing. I shared a simple hand-drawn image with my new "Going Off-Leash" project logo at the bottom of the page. Online friends were so supportive and encouraging!

Day Two arrived and I panicked.

Who was I kidding? How could I create a unique body of art? What could I possibly draw?

I didn't know the answers. But I posted something that day anyway. And the next, and the next.

And 4 months later, I had done it. I had created my OWN pieces and drawn my OWN lines to color inside (or not). 

Soon after, I embarked on a second 100-day project...

 

The Skylines Collection was born. 

I also joined Seth Godin's Creative's Workshop where I was paired with ... a bunch of super-talented writers.

 

What?!?

 

I decided there are not accidents, so — deep breath —I also committed to writing more than a cute caption each day. In essence, I embarked on TWO simultaneous 100-day projects — painting a piece AND composing thoughts worth sharing.

 

Since then, I have created a wide variety of unique paintings, each with their own story. Part of the beauty of my art is the story I share along with it which is based on what was going on in my own world at that moment in time.

 

I may paint an entire collection, but no two painting are alike. Each has their own personality, their own message, their own voice. To me, that's a lot like every person in my world too.

 

We're unique. And our art should be too.

 

So I welcome you to my shop, as well as to my story. 

 

I invite you to slow down and grab that favorite drink as you check things out.

 

And drop me a note (here or on social media)! So many of my clients become deep friends — and that's only fitting to me. I AM all about relationships and personal expression and having more beauty ... in friendships and in the home.

 

I would not be the artist I am today without my wonderful husband and amazing (and silly... and challenging) children. Daily, I'm inspired by our conversations and adventures. Thank you Todd, Joseph, Alina, Michael, Gregory, Zoe, and Calista for the love, the laughs, and the inspiration.

 

That's me in the middle with hubby Todd, and in their words, my "charming and very attractive children."