I discovered the challenges and delights of watercolor painting on an art class trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with Pensacola artist and teacher, Joyce Bennink nine years ago. 1 continued to study with her at the PJC Downtown Center for many years following that eye-opening experience. I now take classes with watercolorist Madeleine Burke-Fanning. I've also been taking art workshops over the years, such as a design workshop with Gerald Brommer, a watercolor workshop at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, and a recent collage workshop with Donna Freckmann, all of which have enhanced my enthusiasm for painting and collage.

I enjoy using a wet-into-wet technique when doing landscapes and florals, and watercolor washes on rice paper when painting old churches and still lifes. One of my favorite paintings using this latter technique is titled The Blue Urn, and is available at the gallery as a limited edition, giclee' print, an excellent French reproduction technique done on Arches watercolor paper in its original size, 16X 11.

My husband and l have retired from teaching and love to do home exchanges in England and France. I always take my camera, sketchbook, and paints to try capturing the essence of the lovely places we visit.