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!