I have loved drawing and painting since early childhood. I was inspired by my grandfather, Alexander Murray, a well-known Pennsylvania artist. He wrote instructional art books and founded art schools in Pennsylvania. As a child, I would go to his studio to watch him paint or teach a class. Many members of my family were actors, artists and writers, so creativity is in my blood.
I attended Syracuse University majoring in speech and drama. Upon graduation, I wrote and hosted an educational children’s TV show called “Voiceville” as part of the Baltimore City Schools, which was televised live to the tristate area.
While I was raising three young children I took painting classes in Connecticut from Frank Covino. When my children went off to college, I started painting regularly and with more conviction. I was passionate about it and sought out the best teachers I could find. I feel blessed to have been inspired by so many artists. I continued studying in workshops and classes with such well-known artists such as: John Asaro, Kevin MacPherson, Jove Wang, Ray Roberts and Ken Auster to name a few. They inspired me to grow as an artist. Before I knew it I was participating in group shows, doing commissions and selling my work! At the same time, I feel painting is an on-going learning process that requires one to stretch oneself to continue to grow as an artist. So, I continue to take workshops and fine tune my painting.
I feel my style is Impressionistic. I am inspired by the works of Cassatt, Sorolla and Sargent. My favorite thing is to capture special moments in everyday life through portraits, landscapes, seascapes and still life. I want the viewer to be pulled into the painting with a story or an impression that is intriguing or inspiring. I convey my passion with composition, color, contrasts and brushstrokes. My greatest thrill comes when someone loves one of my paintings and it speaks to them. Priceless!
Over the years, I have been asked to paint many portraits which I call “candid portraits” – because I use casual settings and poses on the beach. I especially enjoy this as each face is unique and challenging. Many of my subjects come from extensive travel with my husband. My nine grandchildren are always inspiring subjects.
Living in Laguna Beach is an inspiration as well!
I am a member of the Oil Painters of America, California Art Club and Laguna Plein Air Painters Association.