I am a contemporary fine artist based in Taos, New Mexico. With a dedication to exploring the deep connections between people, dogs and the landscape, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my 30-year career in education and my journey as a self-taught artist.
My art journey began as a personal healing process followed by the loss of my beloved 15-year dog companion, evolving into a an artistic endeavor that includes painting and poetry.
Over the last five years, I have showcased my work in numerous gallery shows and literary magazines, earning a reputation for my emotive, soul-stirring compositions that capture the quiet beauty and resilience found in both the human and animal companionship and the breathtaking landscape of the Southwest. My art invites viewers to experience the profound bond between people and their pets, often set in the landscapes of New Mexico.
I also offer my published educational books and poetry.
Explore my portfolio and discover my latest artworks. Whether you're a fine art collector, a dog lover, an art enthusiast, or someone looking for the quiet luxury of authentic artwork, I hope you'll find yourself captivated by works that blend personal storytelling with the timeless beauty of the natural world.
Original Dog Painting "Sharing" 9x11 oil on canvas board. Framed and ready to hang.
Artist Bio
Education and Experience
Bachelor of Science-Education, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Masters of Arts, Bread Loaf School of English, Middlebury College
Master of Education, Harvard University Graduate School of Education
End of Life Doula Certification, INELDA
Experience
Prior to becoming an artist, a 30-year career in education includes teaching English and Drama, and leading and founding independent schools. Much of my work was as a turnaround head to struggling schools. In 2008, I authored Your Child's Strengths (Viking/Penguin). This book won two Nautalis Book Awards and a Mom's Choice Award. It is published in 8 languages and sold internationally. In 2010, I co-authored The Differentiated Instruction Book of Lists (Jossey-Bass). In 2013, I founded The Delta School in Wilson , AR, a progressive project-based learning school. My most recent book, My West, is collection of poems published by Quillkeepers Press in May, 2023. Included in the collection is the poem, "La Jicarita" which won first place in The Southwest Poetry Society Annual Awards in 2021, and also The Western Writers of America "Spur" Award in 2023.
Throughout COVID, I learned to paint and produced over 500 watercolor portraits and figurative illustrations as I fervently learned aspects of figure and form, color and value and all things "painter". My works have appeared on the covers and in literary and arts journals, as well as being chosen to appear in juried shows in the United States. My online gallery, Small Works for Small Spaces is regularly updated with new works for sale.
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Dog oil painting, "Dogs Day Out" 9x12, oil on canvas board. Framed and ready to hang.
Welcome
I do commissioned work of vintage artifacts, specifically mid-century kitsch. Contact me if there is an item you'd me to paint for you.