My portfolio over the course of my adult life has included a multi-faceted collection of artwork including oil paintings (animals, people, landscapes), charcoal portraits (ie: the Beatles, John Wayne, JFK, people’s children), and pencil/pastel illustrations for my published children’s books. I have been designing my own Christmas cards every year since college and have even dabbled in sculpture and photography. The only medium I’ve tried but do not use to create art is watercolors.
I graduated from the University of Colorado in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. I’ve always loved art since I was a child, but most of my art experience has not been through formal art education. With the exception of an Animal Anatomy and Watercolor class through Rocky Mountain School of Art, a beginning charcoal class with the City of Fort Collins, and an Art for Elementary Teachers class at CU, my skills have developed mostly on their own through trial and error.
Over the years, I have not only raised two children with my husband (plus currently enjoy two grandchildren) but have been a member of many different art groups, including the Wheatridge Art League, Poudre Art League, Delta Fine Arts, and the City of Delta mural committee. I spent a few summers teaching charcoal drawing to 5-8th grade children in Fort Collins, and even taught a sculpting class while I was a resident advisor in the dorms in college.
Because I have always been passionate about my teaching career, my art, and my family, it’s been challenging at times to include writing/illustrating and publishing books and freelancing my art. Much of my artwork is by commission but I love the opportunities to share and sell my creations through Fine Art America (fineartamerica.com), on my website artisan-belle.com, and my published books on amazon.com. Now that I am a member again with Delta Fine Arts, I will be displaying artwork around the area in the near future. After retiring from teaching at Garnet Mesa Elementary, I am relishing having my own studio at home here in Delta. It’s wonderful to have more time and opportunities to create and have others enjoy my artwork!