A few years ago I was convinced by my daughter's art teacher, Jana Botkin, that I could learn to draw. I was immediately hooked and progressed from graphite, to color pencil, and then to pastel, which I have embraced for the intensity and depth of color. I feel my work shows my passion for the outdoors, especially the beautiful scenery here on the Central Coast of California. Besides doing plein air painting, I also use photo references from the many hikes my husband and I take. That's one reason paths are a frequent motif in my work. I have long been interested in wildflowers and have been excited by the variety to be found around San Luis Obispo, so that is another frequent element in my paintings. I really admire the shapes and variations to be found in older trees, and frequently use them as focal points or to frame my art. The rugged coastline here is another focus of my painting. I look for interesting light patterns playing on the cliff faces and waves. I also love hiking and backpacking in the Sierra Nevada and enjoy painting the brilliant colors of fall there.