My primary interest is in exploring the use of color
and the different ways color can create mood and drama.  I
tend to focus the most on landscapes because they seem to
bring out a range of emotions in people and can often convey
a sense of whimsy, mystery, community and solitude.  I like
to work with unnatural colors and semi-abstract shapes because 
the combination pushes the viewer to look at the world around
them in new ways.

I've heard it said that art should evoke emotion in the
viewer and my goal is to give the viewer a lift, or energy boost -
basically, make them feel good and enjoy the piece.  What I hear
the most from my customers is that my work "makes them smile"
or "makes them feel happy."  When I can achieve this response from
people, my philosophy of trying to leave a good mark on the world
(for the short time that I'm here) is closer to being realized.  After
all, life is hard enough - why not surround yourself with something
that is positive?  I hope to never quit learning and evolving, so please
check back periodically to see my new work.

Education:

- Virginia Commonwealth University - Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (Painting and Sculpture) December 2010

- Corcoran School of Art - Certificate Painting/Drawing
- Mary Baldwin College - B.A. Fine Arts - Cum Laude
- Member of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

Awards:
 
- 2008 Port Clinton Art Festival - Merit Award
- 2007 Buffalo Grove, Illinois Art Festival Poster Contest
- Mary Baldwin College, Student Fine Arts Association - Prizewinner
for Exhibition

Publications:

- Art Instructional DVD - Acrylic Abstract Painting

- American Art Collector (2009)

- Amdur Productions - Art Annual (2007, 2008, 2009)

Press Articles
 
- Java Town Newspaper (February 2009)
- The Connection Newspapers (April 2008)
 
Exhibitions:
 
Over 100 Juried Fine Art Festivals
 
Agora Gallery, Chelsea, New York
- December 7 - 27, 2006 
- April 18 - May 8, 2008
           
Amdur Gallery, Glenview, IL
- August - December 2007
 
Workhouse Arts Center
- Small Works Exhibit - December 2008
- Instructor/Student Exhibit - January 2009
 
Reston Chamber of Commerce - March - May 2010

University of Phoenix, Reston, VA
Traveling Art Exhibit - May 2 through June 28th, 2008
           
Artomatic, Washington, D.C.
May 9 through June 15, 2008
 
Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, Virginia
Hunt Hall Art Gallery April 15 - 21, 2002
 
 
Volunteer Activities
 
DCS Elementary School, Oakton, VA - Substitute Art Teacher
grades K-6 (2004)
 
Featherstone Elementary School, Prince William County Public
Schools - Artist in Residency (January through April, 2009 - included
teaching 57 5th graders oil and acrylic painting, field trips to art center
and hanging of exhibit in gallery.)
 
DCS Elementary School, Oakton, VA - 650 hours (2000 - 2007)
Lunch/Recess Duty
 
DCS Elementary School, Oakton, VA - Medieval Festival (2004) -
Constructed and Painted Castle set design
 
Lopez Studios, Reston, VA - Extensive Mural for music and art
center (Jan - May, 2003)
 
American Red Cross - Dewitt Army Hospital, Ft. Belvoir, VA - 40 hours
 
 
Membership
 
Capital Speakers Club of Washington, D.C.  (Included a required public
speaking course - September through December 2004 - for membership)
 
Alpha Sigma Lambda Honors Society
 
Art League, Alexandria, VA
 
Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE)
 
Lorton Arts Foundation
 
Washington Project for the Arts, Washington, D.C.
 
League of Reston Artists