I picked up my first paint brush in 1996 and instantly fell in love. I am basically a self taught artist. I took beginning classes to learn technique but soon took off and studied on my own, my mistakes becoming my greatest teacher.

I developed a unique style that can best be described as stylized. I am not a precision painter, (no sideloads in my painting) preferring a more casual look. I am best known for my bold use of color and a sense of whimsy. Details define and refine my work.

I am a member of the Society of Decorative Painters and urge all decorative painters to join our painting family. Here you will be encompassed by painters that will share their painting passion and talents with you at the annual national convention or as a member of it's many local chapters. You will also receive 6 issues annually of “The Decorative Painter” magazine, which is the premier painting magazine in our industry.

Check out the “Magazine” link to see my designs in “The Decorative Painter” and also “The Queen’s Plate” and French Tolé Stroke Flowers” in the pattern packets section of my store which I taught at the National Conventions in Reno, NV in 2000 and at Phoenix AZ, in 2004.

I was born in beautiful Bend, Oregon and live in the Rogue River Valley in Southern Oregon. I am very proud that I am a fifth generation Oregonian, (my two sons are sixth generation), my family traveling to Grant County in covered wagons from Tennessee.

Click here to read an interesting article about my Oregon Pioneer family. My great grandfather was Joseph Rosa Blackwell, the 9th child of 15 born to my great-great grandparents, Clement Cude Blackwell and Jane Morris Blackwell.

I urge everybody to put a little color in their life. Live boldly, find humor in the ordinary and treasure all things beautiful. My personal motto is, “Life is a kaleidoscope, always changing, always beautiful”.

I share my life with a houseful of pets: dogs, cats, parrots, fish and a husband. I love English gardening, classical music, strong coffee, a good laugh, good food and good friends.