My Artist Statement
My husband and I first came to Calistoga more than 30 years ago, when we were first exploring the area. It's been near and dear to my heart ever since and although I moved to Hidden Valley Lake, Calistoga is still my adopted hometown. The Calistoga Art Center has been part of my life for more than a decade, after I began taking acrylics classes to learn a brand new medium. I grew up with the images of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston and originally wanted to be a black-and-white photographer, before turning to watercolors for more than 20 years.
At the Art Center, working in acrylics, I began to paint all the things I love — including old buildings, bistro scenes, still life scenes with coffee and tea cups — with an eye for light and shadow, while developing a distinctive color palette.
I first began painting old buildings at the Crazy Creek gliderport. I’ve always liked western-y old abandoned buildings. … I used to go to Bodie when I was a kid and I liked that they were abandoned and kind of overgrown. They had character reminiscent of the images I had seen inspired to photograph by Adams and Weston. I think the way the light hits the building, the contrast of the sharp-edged building with foliage around it, and the scenery in the back is so appealing. I also recognize that a lot of these buildings won’t be there forever, and so it’s a process too of recording things how they are, and having people look at them maybe in a new way.
Since then, I have painted walnut sheds; Brannan and Victorian cottages; simple homes in Calistoga; the old retro gas station on Adams Street in St. Helena, (now replaced by a contemporary building); a mailbox surrounded by flowers; and bistro scenes, many of which have sold quickly.
In addition, I enjoy painting teacups, and have just finished a series of floral paintings, working with the patterns and rhythms of light and color. “It’s candy for the eyes.”
My involvement with the Calistoga Art Center included helping to co-curate art shows at the Bank of America when it was open. I have also showed my work locally over the past few years at the Calistoga Roastery and WestAmerica Bank, and last spring at Picayune Cellars Tasting Room for Sarafornia, Calistoga’s Arts in April event, in addition to art markets held at the Art Center. This is my third year participating in Open Studios Napa Valley.
At the Art Center, working in acrylics, I began to paint all the things I love — including old buildings, bistro scenes, still life scenes with coffee and tea cups — with an eye for light and shadow, while developing a distinctive color palette.
I first began painting old buildings at the Crazy Creek gliderport. I’ve always liked western-y old abandoned buildings. … I used to go to Bodie when I was a kid and I liked that they were abandoned and kind of overgrown. They had character reminiscent of the images I had seen inspired to photograph by Adams and Weston. I think the way the light hits the building, the contrast of the sharp-edged building with foliage around it, and the scenery in the back is so appealing. I also recognize that a lot of these buildings won’t be there forever, and so it’s a process too of recording things how they are, and having people look at them maybe in a new way.
Since then, I have painted walnut sheds; Brannan and Victorian cottages; simple homes in Calistoga; the old retro gas station on Adams Street in St. Helena, (now replaced by a contemporary building); a mailbox surrounded by flowers; and bistro scenes, many of which have sold quickly.
In addition, I enjoy painting teacups, and have just finished a series of floral paintings, working with the patterns and rhythms of light and color. “It’s candy for the eyes.”
My involvement with the Calistoga Art Center included helping to co-curate art shows at the Bank of America when it was open. I have also showed my work locally over the past few years at the Calistoga Roastery and WestAmerica Bank, and last spring at Picayune Cellars Tasting Room for Sarafornia, Calistoga’s Arts in April event, in addition to art markets held at the Art Center. This is my third year participating in Open Studios Napa Valley.