I love to paint. That love is fueled by feelings, connection, color and light. I'm also enthralled with eyes -- the colors, the expressions, the way they connect us with each other. Eyes draw me to a subject, cause my creative juices to flow and kindle the fire under my desire to paint. Most of my paintings are done using soft pastels. I love working with this medium; they contain strong permanent pigments and vivid colors. Pastels are dusty and messy but once applied, the affect is immediate. They are marvelous for depicting the fur of animals and the soft, delicate skin of children, two of my favorite subjects. (Before I became a full-time artist, I spent many years as a Pediatric Nurse. I also worked for a while as a Veterinary Assistant. I want my paintings to command your attention, to conjure up emotion, memories, or a feeling that resonates in you. I hope my paintings give you pause for reflection, bring a smile to your lips and joy to your heart.