Inspiration

I am a storyteller on a visual journey.  Life itself inspires me, whether it is as simple as a songbird or as complex as the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.  

Dreams, nature, and emotions are always at the root of my creative process.  It is important to me to capture the essence, personality and history of my subject before I put paint on the canvas.  I enjoy researching extensively in order to express what I want to convey.  Through this process, I become bonded with my idea and it drives me to create. 

The process of painting a work of art is within itself an inspiration.  The excitement of strokes of color and texture evolving into a new creation is magical.  

Ultimately, I am inspired by giving the viewer something that inspires and touches them in a meaningful way that enriches their life.  

Techniques

I enjoy using a variety of techniques in several different series of work I have created.   My subject will tell me what avenue to create it in.

I am well versed in traditional oil and acrylic painting, which I will typically use when painting realistic landscapes, figurative work, or animals.  Pastel and  watercolor are also mediums I employ when painting nature.  These works are developed by starting with broad strokes of paint covering the entire canvas with general large shapes.  The pieces unfold through transparent layers of paint, bringing the subject into focus.  Finally, details are added to complete the piece. 

My “Narrative Series” involves a complex layering of different mediums which I use to convey the story being told.  The backgrounds on the walls of my subjects are created using either collage or silkscreen to incorporate a photographic image.  The portrait and imagery through their windows are painted next in oil paint.  When painting the portrait, I carefully paint transparent layers on top of the photo image on the wall, allowing portions of the background to be revealed.  The scene outside the windows are painted in an opaque manner.  Finally, the entire piece is painted with transparent layers, bringing the whole composition together.  It is through this complicated process that the depth of the narrative is told. 

I use mixed media in my “Magical Tree” series.  These playful pieces are created by painting acrylic paint over the entire piece first.  Then I begin collaging decorative papers and photography to develop the trees and lilies in the water.  The collages are then outlined with acrylic paint.  This process creates an interesting 3-D effect on canvas.  I have recently started painting in a similar manner on clear acrylic panels, using the background on the underside of the panel and painting on top, creating a stained-glass effect. 

Exploring different techniques in art is an exciting and never-ending journey ~ there is always something new to learn!  

career highlights

Throughout the years, I have been awarded with many honors, both professionally and personally. I have been the recipient of numerous art show awards and received the honor of Phi Kappa Phi at the University of Texas in Austin where I received my BFA. 

 My professional journey as an artist has taken me down many interesting roads.  I have been a gallery owner,  book illustrator,  muralist, and professional scenic artist for theater, ballet and opera.  I have also worked in the fashion industry, owning a company creating hand painted silks that sold nationally.  I continue to receive many commissions for my paintings in portraiture, landscape, and mixed media. 

 I am especially honored by certain paintings that have received high accolades for the very reason they were painted ~ to bring awareness of the human dilemma.  

 In 2004, I was invited to exhibit my painting “Anne Frank, the Last Entry” in the Houston Holocaust Museum . “Anne Frank: Private Photo Album”  was a photographic exhibition of Otto Frank, Anne’s father.  The exhibit was up for 6 months before the work returned to the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam. I was very honored and humbled. 

 After painting the “The Katrina Triptych”,  the city of Austin had a beautiful giclée print made to gift the Lord Mayor of Koblenz, Germany.  An official delegation made up of representatives from Austin government, business, education and cultural leaders traveled to Austin’s Sister-City of Koblenz, Germany and presented the signed print.  This was a symbol of thanks and goodwill for financially supporting the many evacuees that arrived in Austin.   

Recently, I illustrated a book together with my mother, Elizabeth Felton.   “New Braunfels Historic Landa Park, Its Springs and Its People”,  by co-authors Rosemarie Gregory and Arlene Seales,  was a  5 year  in-depth research project which resulted in an amazing book that covers the entire history of the beautiful town I live in.  A labor of love, all the proceeds of this book  benefit the preservation of Landa Park.   

 The greatest reward of my career as an artist  is knowing that my art is enriching the lives of others!