This collection is chock full of joyful symbols and creatures, most of which appeared on their own, without my conscious awareness. An array of vibrantly colored, pastel strokes layer over brilliant washes of Gouache and pastel underpainting.

I am extremely happy to explore and develop the symbols that have begun to appear this year as I paint. I have given myself generous permission and the freedom feels exhilarating. This year while teaching, I explored various deconstructions with my classes, isolating elements just for the fun of the experiment. I spent playful hours in doodle musings and research. My love for line surfaced from past years of Calligraphy. Many times I found there simply were not enough hours in my days.   

Years ago I used to skip lunch in school, preferring to sit on the back steps and draw Greek goddess figures, while my friend read aloud from Kahlil Gibran. I still love painting figures. Sometimes I simply make-up figures, as in Daydreaming. When painting special commissions, or family as here in "The Elf Herself" I aim to capture inner qualities.

I love the hush of early morning when bird songs greet me outside my door and fill up my heart's coffers with rejuvenation and inspiration. Mostly, I paint what thrills me. Sometimes I paint regional themes for special occasions, and sometimes I paint for visioning, such as Salut France!

A great part of my success has come from my technique of under painting. I lay down color sections to identify values and to relax into the game. Right away, I tell the paper who is boss and brush alcohol over the scumbles. Besides gathering up forces, I am usually gifted with some luscious, happy accidents that provoke further development.