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I learned very early in my life to truly enjoy the beautiful woods and streams. Already at the age of 11 I was awed by the golden quiet and wonderful fragrance of the Autumn forest. I would steal away to the woods where the singing birds and cheerful clear babbling brooks would calm the fears and troubled thoughts of a budding teenager. During these times of escape, beautiful castles and lovely gardens were made of moss and twigs and leaves at the base of the friendly trees. I didn’t paint until many years later, but I absorbed the calm peace and joy of being out in nature. How I wanted to Paint!  But Art, as such, was not available in our schools so I figured I may never be able to be the Artist I so longed to be.

Years before, my first grade teacher had put a pot of pansies on her desk, handed each student a huge piece of paper and asked us to draw the pansies. For some reason I drew the outline of one flower so large that it took up the whole sheet of paper. This was my first drawing experience, so I was thoroughly elated when the kind teacher praised my efforts. 

My family moved around a lot, so by third grade, now in yet different school, I sketched people during every spare moment. No one noticed my work, so no comment was made.  Being very shy, I didn’t even consider showing the drawing to anyone. Then at seventeen I decided to take an Art course by correspondence, since I was now working.  My father and the salesman, wishing to be helpful, talked me into taking the Commercial Art course, rather than the Fine Art course “because there is more money in it”.  I was desperate for Art so I agreed to the Commercial Art course, but I knew I would regret it as soon as the books and supplies arrived.  I didn’t enjoy fashion drawings, nor lettering, etc.  I wanted to paint landscapes!

Finally after I was married and already had four daughters, my mother asked me to do a painting for her, from a photo someone had sent her. Because of my husband’s ill health and with four little ones to feed, we were struggling financially. So my mother offered to buy the oil painting supplies and even to pay me $1.00 an hour to paint it. Well, this was the beginning! I loved every minute of the painting time and of course, by God’s grace, I have never stopped.

After painting on my own for about two years, I learned of a ten-week (one night a week) Art course being offered by a well-known local Artist. I literally prayed for the money to pay for the course, but I also prayed for the courage, to attend.  With fear and trembling, I went that first night.  Ah!!! But what awaited me was like manna from heaven! 

In contrast to the small brushes and timid brushstrokes I had been using, this Artist used large brushes, as well as a painting knife. She painted broadly in a very painterly fashion. Also her obvious love of painting trees and streams reminded me of the joy I felt when I spent time in the woods as a sad and lonely youngster.

I painted fast and furiously --- but I longed to know more of the Basic Principles of Art.  I borrowed and devoured Art books from the Public Library.  What a marvelous miracle it was to me when I found and read Michael Jacob’s book: “The Art of Color”.  I could finally understand which colors to mix to get the desired results.

Gradually, I began experimenting in Acrylic and Watercolor, which broadened my outlook. I would go on Watercolor binges for several months at a time, then back to my beloved, comfortable oil paints. Pencil, Pen and Ink, Charcoal and even Crayons, add variety to my life still today.