I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Art Education in 2006. Printmaking was my main studio focus during school followed by oil painting. I currently teach art at Hamilton Southeastern Junior High in Fishers. I have a small studio in my house where I enjoy painting with oil in my spare time. I enjoy teaching art as much as I enjoy creating artwork of my own. I find it crucial that o
ur community sees the importance of the fine arts to individuals and to societies. It is not only a means of expression, but a form of identity for many people. Art classes offered in communities are outlets for many of our youth, and without these programs, students would not be able to experience the power of their own imagination and creativity. There is no correct way to create an art piece because what may not seem beautiful to one person may be beautiful to another. It is truly a gift to teach art. The face of a child when they are creating is priceless! A majority of my oil paintings consist of a limited color pallet. I play with the give and take of colors when they are placed next to each other often blending, scraping, layering and mixing the colors until I produce the effect I desire from the painting. These simple changes in intensity and value create visual harmony. The textures I add with the paintbrush handles give my paintings depth. I paint so that my paintings evoke emotion within the individual that looks at them. My prints come from Venice, Italy. I was blessed with the opportunity to study intaglio in Venice during my undergraduate education at Indiana University. I focused on local architecture for my inspiration... mimicking the textures of exterior surfaces and doorways of old buildings (just to name a few!). The color, line, and textures used throughout the city can be seen in my pieces.