Des Moines architecture has always interested me. I usually take a lot of reference photos for a project, choose the best angle to portray it and then complete a drawing to use for the collage's foundation. This pagoda is highly detailed and I had to edit and simplify the shapes. more »
This portrait is part of my Black History collages that I began a year ago. I chose to paint Oprah because she encourages people to read more, and I think that is very important. more »
This painting is an acrylic collage created for my joint show in October 2021. My chairs series has evolved over the years, and began with watercolors. I have combined this subject matter with sunflowers, in a square format. more »
I have been inspired by the Midwest landscape for many years. The sprawling fields, rustic barns and sheds are a few elements that capture my interest. I began painting these old structures around 1995 and have painted over one hundred landscapes since then. more »
My inspiration for this painting was the frilly bearded irises in our garden. Beginning with numerous sketches from life, I chose the deep purple hand-painted collage papers from my stash and began cutting the large petal shapes of the iris. more »
This portrait is of Willa Cather, one of my favorite authors. This acrylic portrait portrays Ms. Cather wearing a brocade hat and dark green jacket in the style of that period. For the background I used some of her book titles. more »
The inspiration of old southeast Iowa barns continues to pique my imagination with their lively character. This barn had interesting round windows in the upper level and I could not help adding some bright, colorful sunflowers in the foreground. more »
This is a continuation of my barn series, done in acrylic collage in a square design format. While working on this I found a beautiful piece of variegated paper that was perfect for the sunset. more »
Flowers are always a big inspiration for me. Love the bright, bold colors! more »
Every winter I begin thinking of my summer gardens and the cheery, large sunflower shapes. I never tire of drawing and painting sunflowers and plant a variety in my gardens -- so many to choose from! more »