I love painting dual portraits; they are visual reminders of connection. These new portraits use the convention of playing cards to honor those in the arts across generations. New artists are always influenced to some degree by those who came before them. They add their own brand of genius, then pay it forward to the next generation. I'm influenced by so many artists who came before me, many with styles vastly different than mine.

Here are a few "love letters" to some real geniuses. Using the playing card design means these paintings can be hung 2 ways. All are 16" x 20," oil on aluminum.

After doing a series of miniature still lives for the holidays, I decided I wanted to take the concept of painting food with a "bird's eye view" much bigger. I originally planned to use healthy fruits and veggies as subjects, but after painting the plums, I wanted chocolate! Not only because I love dark chocolate, but the fancy shapes & designs of luxury chocolates appealed to the designer in me. 

These two will make their public debut in the show "High Five: Celebrating 5 Women Artists" at the Old Bakery Gallery in downtown Austin in April.

I am very honored that my "Dancing with the Stars" won 3rd place in the 2D category at the statewide juried Fall Show by Round Rock Arts. The show is in the beautiful main building at Texas State University in Round Rock, Texas (just north of Austin), and continues through December 6.

Hope Floats is the newest in my series of "Heavenly Bodies," painted for an upcoming show at the Dougherty Art Center in Austin, Texas. We live in stressful times, and self care is important. The more connected to nature we are, the happier we are. Floating in water is so soothing and relaxing; it really melts stress away!

20" x 24"
​Oil on Linen

I am thrilled to present the first exhibit of my "Heavenly Bodies" series in the Go Figure exhibit at Link & Pin Artspace, July 26-August 18. 

This series explores our connection with nature. That connection has the power to heal and transform, and I believe that compassionate transformation can change the world for the better.

Join me and five other award-winning figurative artists for the opening reception, Saturday, July 27,
7-9pm.

Link & Pin
2235 E 6th St.
​Austin, TX

Link & Pin presents six Austin figurative painters, who express their individual impressions of beauty in chaotic times. Join artists JC Amorrortu, Lawrence Jolly, Meena Matocha, Rhea Pettit, Kristi Standley, and Linda Wandt at the opening reception on Saturday, July 27, from 7-9 pm. 

Link & Pin
2235 E 6th St., #102
Austin TX

Personal note: I'm thrilled to show with this group of painters. So many unique styles, from realism, to abstract figurative, to surreal; there is something for everyone!

I realized I haven't posted in several months. So sorry! I've been busy creating a new body of figurative work for an upcoming exhibit. This painting, of Wanjiru with a red moon, is a new one. This series is of bodies in nature, and I wanted to paint a strong, beautiful, badass woman who is deeply connected to nature. 

An ongoing series combines 2 of my passions: Art and Animals! I'm delighted to share these humorous paintings, because I think we all need to smile more. Nothing is cuter than animals photobombing: they live in the moment and are unconcerned with documenting their lives on social media. Half the fun was pairing the perfect animal to iconic artwork. Choosing favorite artists to copy allowed me to study their works in depth. I didn't copy them "stroke for stroke" and I used my own color palette, but I followed them close enough that the viewer instantly recognizes the master work.

Homages to Frida Kahlo, Toulouse Lautrec, Jackson Pollock, Gustav Klimt, and Georgia O'Keefe are all 12" x 12," oil on aluminum panel.

Part of my series of bodies in nature, I chose a ballroom dancer for two reasons. First, it's a world I know well, as I was a competitive Latin dancer for over 20 years. Second, the dancer is a nice juxtaposition to the natural cavern background. This piece is a gentle reminder that we are connected to the natural world.