First of all, let me say, "Welcome" and "Please check back often". This site will be under continuous construction. I plan to add more info. as my art career progresses. This is all very new to me. I started oil painting in March 2002. I attended a one-day class at Dorothy Dent's studio and have been addicted ever since.
I have loved to draw since I was little. Pencils, sketchbooks, markers, paint, brushes, etc. were always sure "hits" for me at Christmas, birthdays, etc. Hmmm, now that I think of it, they still are. I am primarily self-taught. I have attended a few classes and seminars over the last 2 or 3 years but other than that, I've learned by good 'ole "trial and error" and by getting as much "brush mileage" as I can get.
I do not consider myself a painter of any particular subject matter. I paint whatever "strikes my fancy" so to speak. I do, however, tend to lean towards things with a western or country theme, wildlife, some portraiture, and just about anything "horse" related. This is probably because that is what I'm around and those are the types of things I enjoy. I love to be outdoors, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, shooting skeet(clay birds), boating, or just spending a "lazy" day at the river.
I have been a so-called "tom-boy" since I was little. This was probably because I preferred playing outside in the dirt over playing inside with Barbies. In fact, I used to get very, very upset when my dad would take my little brother somewhere outside and wouldn't let me go because, "....I needed to stay home and help my mom." Thank God for grandpa "ship". I was my Grandpa Blankenship's shadow for a long time. I grew up next door to him and grandma and definately made the most of it! I used to watch out the window for a glimpse of my grandpa going out to do his feeding (he raised hogs, cattle, and usually a couple of horses). As soon as I saw him outside, I made a mad dash for the door for two reasons; one, to get out of the house before mom or dad could stop me and two, because grandpa might do something cool without me! With grandpa I got to experience a lot of "country/western" things that I enjoy to this day and that I depict in my artwork. He taught me how to horseback ride, harness a team, and most importantly, to "always get back on a horse if you get thrown". That last lesson applies to so many things in life. He is probably the main reason I'm still so "horse-crazy" today and never really grew out of that!
My whole family has either helped or inspired me at some point along the way. I am truly blessed that my family is so close knit. Some of them are happy being my "support network" (thanks mom)and helping me find time to paint, sketch, attend shows with me, go to classes, etc. and then some of them help me grow as an artist....whether they realize it or not. My dad is one of these people. He has always taken me outdoors; from the time I had to hold onto the axe handle just to keep up while walking in the snow, looking for a Christmas tree, to helping me up into my tree stand the first year I went deer hunting. He is the person that got me so interested in wildlife, hunting, shooting skeet, fishing, and boating. He has taught me to pay attention and look around when I'm out in the woods because, too often, you can miss the "critters" around you. So many times you can take a walk through the woods and, if you're looking, see a deer, an owl, a fat, fox squirrel or something that will never move, but, stay perfectly still and just watch you back. It is times like these when you can really learn a lot about the animal. Because my dad really watches the animals and really studies detail, he is my best art critic. He will tell me not only that it doesn't look right but go on to explain why.....most of the time I agree.....but not always, that's when I argue my point back. Did I mention that I'm as stubborn as he is too? ha ha
Anyway, I've rambled on long enough. I've shared this information in hopes that it will give you an idea of who I am, why I paint what I do, and why I enjoy it so much. Thanks again for visiting my site, I hope you enjoy it and come back soon.