What is your medium now? (oils, acrylic, pastel, watercolor...) What medium have you always wanted to use, but haven't yet? What mediums have you used in the past? Why do you prefer your current medium?

Currently I paint in watercolor and oil. Watercolor is very portable and is less complicated than traveling with oil pigments. For many years I have painted in egg tempera as well, although only in a studio situation.

Do you think the specific art materials you use are critical to the success of your work? If so, why?

The quality and longevity of art materials is important to me. There is quite a range of materials and I often try colors out in the art store from several manufacturers as they all handle very differently.

Do you do preliminary sketches before painting your subject? In a sketchbook? Or directly on the canvas or paper? Why?

Sometimes I do a preliminary sketch, especially while working in the studio under more controlled light conditions. My studio faces north and the light is fairly consistent. While painting en plein air my focus is atmosphere and light. I tend to sketch in oil directly on the canvas and move the color and shapes as needed.

Do you prefer wood, glass or paper for your palette surface? Why?

My wood palette has a wonderful patina from years of painting and rubbing with oil and turpentine. I like the feeling of the wood and how the colors mix on the surface.

Do you prefer to sit or stand when you are painting? Why?

When working on a large canvas I prefer to stand. I tend to walk back and forth from my easel to study and create a broad initial rhythm in my composition. Later I may settle in and sit for certain passages in the painting as I have more control with the brush.

Who or what got you interested in plein air painting?

I was 18 when introduced to plein air painting by Eugene Leake while attending Maryland Institute College of Art. Mr Leake opened his home and farm in Green Spring Valley in Baltimore to the landscape class. We would spend long days painting and studying the light and landscape.

When did you first want to become an artist? (And when did you realize you were one?) Did you draw or paint as a child? What were your subjects?

I am fortunate as I come from a family of artists. I could not imagine being anything other than an artist.

Are there any other artists in your family? (including all the arts)

My father is a wood sculptor, my mother paints shore birds inspired by folkart, my brother a photographer, my husband is a painter, and both my sons are sculptors, film makers, painters and animation artists.

Do you have a favorite art quote that inspires you? (tip: go to http://www.painterskeys.com/ for art quote source)

"I paint like a bird sings." Monet

Where do you find your greatest inspiration?

Nature is my greatest inspiration.