A show honoring "women who have defined their own worlds and who have interpreted life as one that is open to all possibilities." I submitted 3 portraits of women who I felt embodied that definition, and happily all 3 were accepted into the show!

Jane Goodall, for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees as well as her lifelong mission to save the planet.

Ruby Bridges, a portrait of bravery. I can't fathom the strength it took for this 6 year old to walk through a gauntlet of hate every day to and from school.

The Girl with the Me Too Tattoo. Part homage to a strong fictional character (Lisbeth Salander) and a shoutout to all the brave, everyday women who are finding their voices in the Me Too movement.

The opening reception on April 7 was a huge success. I snapped a few pictures before it got too busy.

The Williamson Museum on the square in Georgetown is featuring my art the month of March. The artist reception is Friday, March 2 from 6-8 pm. This is happening on "First Friday" when businesses stay open late for shopping, strolling and fine dining. It should be a fun night on the square!

"Connection and Conversation" includes oil portraits of animals, people, and "mashups" (my spirit animal series, combining people with other species).

Another in my series of badass women. The character Lisbeth Salander from the Millennium series personifies strength. She uses her brain and hacker skills to outwit evil people; her online name is Wasp. If you haven't read this series by Stieg Larsson (or seen the 3 Swedish films starring Noomi Rapace or one American film starring Rooney Mara), I highly recommend them! I read that a new movie of the 4th novel (The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz) is in the works starring The Crown's Claire Foy.

This will be included in a 3-woman show in September at Link & Pin Gallery in Austin, Texas.

20" x 24," oil on canvas

With the stress and chaos of modern life, I've been daydreaming about the less complicated lives that animals have in the wild. In reality, they have a far rougher existence than I could ever endure, but the wide open spaces and big skies still beckon! For this concept, I asked my model Sasha to mimic a cat stretching after a nap. She is a gifted dancer with great flexibility. The skies reflect the mood and complexity of the society of each subject.

This piece will be included in an upcoming show called Birdsong, featuring women artists. At the beautiful McCory Timmerman in Taylor, Texas; it runs from March 15 – April 26.

30" x 24," oil on canvas

I am doing a series of badass women: some historical and some who are currently shaping the world today. This portrait of P!nk is one of the more lighthearted ones; instead of pairing her with a fierce big cat (no doubt her spirit animal), I chose her signature color to pair her with a flamingo. Her music is thought-provoking, strong, and often just a rockin' good time. Enjoy, friends!

Oil on cradled board, 12" x 12"

This is a concept I've wanted to paint for a long time. There is a pair of pink boxing gloves nailed to a fence in our town that was my inspiration. I used to do kickboxing as a workout; I never fought another person, but even hitting a bag or focus mitt was empowering! You can take your own meaning from this, as there is much adversity women face (from general inequality to something specific, like breast cancer).

Oil on canvas, 20" x 20"

Fine art prints (paper or canvas) are a great way to start your art collection, or to introduce a new artist into an existing collection. I also have miniature oil studies available. Here are a few that sold at the first weekend of the East Austin Studio Tour.

This year I'm at two locations: Gallery 84 on Waller St., and Soma Vida Gallery on E Cesar Chavez. These two locations are about 9-10 blocks away from each other, and I plan to bounce between the two. There are lots of other studios in the neighborhood, and the weather looks good for a great weekend of art hopping. See you there!

There is one more weekend of EAST, Nov. 18-19 from 11am - 6pm.

Happy customers and artist! Gallery 84

She is fierce! This series has a twofold purpose: to encourage people to be more conscious in their treatment of other species (ie, not use animals for food, clothing, or entertainment), and to help me stay sane with so much cruelty in the world.

No matter what species, race, nationality,sexuality, or religion, we all want a peaceful and productive life for ourselves and our loved ones.

Fierce, oil on board, 12" x 12"

I am deeply honored that Survivor - a "kintsugi" portrait - took first place in the statewide juried Art Hop in Georgetown, Texas. It is part of a series of warriors who are stronger because of the injuries/adversity/illness/racism they've endured. I use gold metal leaf to "mend" her scar. This is dedicated all the warriors out there who are fighting cancer or other life-threatening diseases.

These are the pieces included in the Art Hop, which runs until October 27, 2017.

What is your spirit animal? There are so many species that I feel a strong connection to, I can't decide mine. Here are two popular ones: a fox and a wolf. The model for the wolf is a dear friend of mine. Both were a joy to paint, and a reminder that all creatures (including humans) are more alike than we are different. I hope more people make that connection.

Both of these are 12" x 12" on Ampersand cradled board.