For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by the way light and shadows would bend and bounce off different things. And how colors would magically change depending on the light. As a young girl, my father, who was an artist, taught me how to look closely at something and see how it appeared in that space, in that light. It felt like he had given me a gift and it was our secret. I grew up and studied art in college, concentrating mostly on pottery, weaving, photography and graphic design. I had a blast exploring all the processes, techniques and styles. I had found “my people” and loved exchanging ideas and knowledge with fellow artists. I went on to work mostly as a production artist designing graphics, creating page layouts and prepping files for print. These were all good jobs, but I longed for the day when I could just create the art I wanted to make and have the time to do it. When I semi-retired I decided to try painting and I loved it. I don’t know why it took me so long to try it as I grew up watching my father paint for hours each day for all of his life. Sadly, it wasn’t until after he had passed that I finally picked up a brush. I think he knew that someday I would paint as he left me a small notebook with all his painting tips. I still hear his voice say “Darken your darks and lighten your lights” and many other good bits of advice. Today, I have the luxury of painting what I want and making whatever type of art my heart desires. So you will find landscapes, still life, graphics and even silly little illustrations that make me laugh. We all need a good laugh. These are my heartwerks.