I grew up in a secluded desert environment located in what used to be a rural area of east Tucson. I was appreciative of the beauty of my southwestern ‘playground’. Climbing my favorite palo verde tree with my sisters, exploring nature (avoiding cactus) and drawing were my favorite pastimes. During my first art project in kindergarten, my teacher called my parents to inform them that I was an artist gifted with a natural talent for detail. I was thankful for her words as they led to art supplies and encouragement. At age 13, I created my first portrait and found my passion in painting the expressive features of the human face.
Through the years, I explored various media and techniques; oil, acrylic, ink, airbrush, and charcoal. After making an effort to tame its challenging properties, charcoal became one of my favorites.
I found inspiration for the majority of my subject matter in the artwork of R. Brownell McGrew, whose work powerfully influenced my own. My heritage also contributes to an interest in American Indians. A number of my portraits are drawn using photographic reference from the late 1800’s, many of which were taken by Edward S. Curtis.
Each portrait I draw begins like an exciting new adventure. Every line, shadow and highlight produce a distinct feature; a unique facial expression. Eyes reflect the soul and it is our human nature to gaze into and decipher hidden characteristics and personality each individual embodies. With charcoal in hand, I search for fine detail to define these aspects in the pursuit of giving life to my portraits.
