A Little About Me... I'm glad to meet you!

My introduction to painting was a 12 hour course, in 1973. Unfortunately, as soon as the class ended the teacher moved to another state. I started painting daisies on old soup cans (which make wonderful brush holders) and strawberries on wood scraps. Then, in what spare time I had while working and raising three daughters, I taught myself as much as I could by reading Tole World magazine. In 1992 a friend introduced me to the Society of Decorative Painters. Through participation in chapters I have had wonderful opportunities to study with dozens of teachers. If you're not a member, join the Society! You will learn and gain confidence as a painter, and the friendships made along the way will be a great bonus.

My husband, Charlie, has told me that when I'm painting I look so happy that I seem to be away in another world. Charlie has a good sense of humor and is very supportive of my painting addiction. If you phone when I am out at a seminar or convention he will tell you I'm out with my boyfriend "Art." We have three grown daughters and two grandsons.

We live on five acres at the edge of a village about 25 miles south of Buffalo, New York. Western New York is not anything like New York City! This is a rural area with lots of dairy farms. I moved here after living in the sunny big city of Clearwater, Florida. What a change! I had to adjust to the snow, the cows, the snow, deer playing in the back yard, the snow... well, you get the idea! Now I love it! I guess as long as I have painting friends I can get along anywhere.

Before I moved North I worked as a manager for the State of Florida for almost 20 years. Now I keep busy as a substitute teacher in a rural school with grades PreK to 12 in one building. I have a home studio and teach classes in Decorative Painting. In 2002, I completed the Teacher of Decorative Painting (TDA) program sponsored by the Society.