After working in Clay for over 3 years I never thought I’d be interested in trying to work in another art form. However my studios at Pojoaque where my husband and I live have some spectacular views of the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo mountains. So captivating are they that I’d find myself gazing out the windows more and more – instead of sculpting. Then due to a wrist injury I was forced to stop working with clay for a while. I then took that opportunity to try painting.
In 2003 I began classes in Acrylic and in Oil, but I didn’t really respond well to these mediums. I then tried Pastel. and started classed with a fantastic instructor and painter James Roybal. Since then I have taken workshops with Albert Handel and his charming wife Anita Louise West. Also with Doug Dawson and Paul Murray.
This fall I had the opportunity to go with the Fechin Art Institute to Taos and study under the Colorado painter Lorenzo Chavez. Chavez emphasized Plein-Air Painting. This was a very eye-opening experience for me because for the most part I’m used to working in the studio. But I think Plein-Air is the way to go, at least for the first part of my paintings. I find it gratifying to begin painting outdoors and then finish in the studio.
