1. Where are you from?

I am from Highland, In. I was raised in South Holland, Il.

2.   How did you begin your art journey?

I began my journey when my daughter and daughter-in-law gave me 2 books from the same author, watercolor artist, Ruth Chow Simmons. Neither of them knowing they were doing so. One supplied with watercolor pencils. It was the year Covid hit so I thought I would spend some time reading the beautiful, encouraging books along with the watercolor pencils. I was amazed at how the water and color blended. I had a 15-minute session from a great friend who was an art teacher and off I went on my journey. 

Another note on my friend, is that we had met 3 years earlier  ( complete strangers ) by winning a piece of her artwork. I feel the journey was starting then already as the Lord brought all of this together. Are you connecting the dots? It is amazing how my journey became and is still going. No longer a hopscotch but now a beautiful path widening as I travel it.

3. What inspires you?

What inspires me to paint is hoping to make a connection with someone. Grace them with Hope, Joy, comfort. A common ground they will feel when looking at my paintings or holding one of my cards. My artistic impression of life and all it's "corners" shows me how to heal wounds, nourish scars, hold onto someone in loss and celebrate with joy.

4. Does your piece always end up looking like the idea that inspired you?

No. My impressionistic me goes where the Holy Spirit leads me. He intercedes with the water and color; the painting goes where it should.  It is always a reminder who is leading me. It never ceases to surprise me when the recipient views it and tells me it is perfect! The recipient reveals to me a connection I never would have guessed. Thus, the intertwine of spiritual and color and water.

5. Do you have a favorite music/artist/genre while working on a piece?

Faith based music helps me connect to the reason I paint. It is how I relax myself into the flow of my creativity. From Lauren Daigle to hymns by Keith and Kristen Getty. I love also some smooth James Taylor, Joni Mitchell... story telling music. 

6. Most artists are creative in many ways, what is your favorite?

Watercolor is my favorite creative outlet as of now but my other creative interests connect with it and those are my love of music and flowers and nature. Life. 

7. Do you have a favorite piece of your work and why?

2 favorite pieces.

First is a piece I was commissioned to paint for a widow who had lost her husband at a very early age. I titled it Redeemed and prayed it would bring her insight to the HOPE in her tragic loss when she looked at it.

Next is a piece I was commissioned to paint for an album cover. It would represent a dream come true for a very special musician. What a gift it was to be part of his journey and mine together.8. Does your art help with other areas of your life?

8. Does your art help with other areas of your life?

Yes, it calms me. It gives me a purpose. It gives me confidence in my faith walk. Each card, painting, has a story in it. Be it mine or someone else, telling the stories of life, love, connecting to each other. It gives me a lens on life to paint what others might not see. It makes me more aware in todays world.

9. How do you define success as an artist?

Success for me is when I am able to feel what people are seeking for. Express/ transform those feelings for them in watercolor. We both then are able to melt into each other's hearts and lives. We connect to the core. Art at is best with Grace. 

Thus Pray. Devote . Behold.

10. How can people who are interested in your work contact you?

On Instagram: @praydevotebehold