On the monthly paintouts, how do you decide what to paint? What draws your eye to a particular scene?

On monthly paintouts I look around for (1) what really gets me excited and (2) what will make a good composition. I like to take my time starting and think about what I want to say about the scene, how it emotionally affects me. I also strive to draw out an element in the scene that stands out above the rest as a point of interest.

Though most of us prefer working outdoors, do you prefer a studio where you live or maintaining a separate space? Why?

I had a studio for years with a group, but now I prefer to work at home. I like it because I have more control over the atmosphere, temperature, noise, etc. and I can work any time night or day easily.

What does your studio look like?

I have a large crank easel and a large wooden palette and lots of flat spaces to spread out tools and supplies. I keep it pretty neat and have storage areas for most things. There are 4 large windows with lots of light and some artificial light for evening work. It's on the 2nd floor so there is lots of sky and trees outside and it is pretty quiet most of the time. I have wall space so I can hang finished (?) work and look at it for a while to see if I need to change anything. I also have a desk with my office supplies and a computer which I prefer to use to paint from instead of photos.

What helps create an inspiring environment for you? (either in your studio or an outdoor location)

The more nature the better...I like to be able to see the sky and I like the sound of birds. I also like certain kinds of music, which can inspire me greatly if it's the right music at the right time. I also have lots of book and magazines for inspiration. Sometimes just taking a walk will do wonders.

Do you listen to music when you are painting? Have a TV on? If yes, what are your favorites? Do you use an IPOD when painting outdoors? Or do you prefer silence?

When I am outside I only want the sounds of outdoors. When inside I sometimes also like it completely quiet....but I also love Celtic and Classical music especially. I like many other kinds also but it very much depends on my mood what I will play or not...or sometimes I play something that I think relates to the piece I am working on. If I start a piece listening to a particular piece of music I will often listen to only that until I am done...it becomes part of the piece of art somehow.

Do you have a family pet that keeps you company when painting? Either indoors or out?

I have two large Maine Coon cats that come and stay all day in my studio and sleep or look out the window. I really like their presence in the room....they make me laugh sometimes when I notice the weird positions they assume...and sometimes I can hear them purring across the room if it's quiet, which seems very calming.

What do you think creates artistic blocks? How do you solve them?

I think what creates most artistic blocks is the inability to think clearly and calmly because of heightened anxiety about something....negative thoughts about the art itself or the artists process, or maybe the artist's business. I don't know how to solve them exactly, but coming to a good spiritual place within yourself is very helpful. There are books out about the art process and life that are very good, and tapes, I like to listen to educational and motivational tapes in the car! But the truth is, I don't usually have a block that stops me from working, mostly I can't get enough time to do all I want to do, and go into too many directions at once!!

Do you support yourself from your art? Or do you have another job? Or are you retired? How does this affect your time to paint?

Yes, I support myself with my art business. This includes teaching weekly classes, lecturing, travel workshops, entering shows, applying to Plein Air events around the country, lots of computer work and keeping several galleries stocked with work. It's a lot of work, but it has great rewards if you really love what you do!

What helps create an inspiring environment for you? (either in your studio or an outdoor location)

I love painting outside because I am there with all my senses, seeing, smelling, feeling the air, the sun, and it's a total immersion experience!! I also love the studio, where I can control the environment. I like classical and Celtic music especially, but sometimes I like it just to be very quiet, with no interruptions at all.

In light of the current world climate, what do you feel is the role of the artist? (For instance, do landscape painters have a responsibility to record nature before it's developed?

Yes, I have always had a very spiritual connection with the landscape and nature. That has been heightened lately as I am working with the Nature Conservancy on a WSLP project. I am all the more interested in "capturing" the amazing beauty of this world, both natural and human elements.

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

My dad used to draw pencil drawings, painstakingly rendered, scenes in books, or animals. My mom was always making something with her hands.

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

I love this quote from Richard Schmidt.

"Somewhere within all of us, there is a wordless center, a part of us that hopes to be immortal in some way, a part that has remained unchanged since we were children, the source of our strength and compassion. This faint confluence of the tangible and the spiritual is where art comes from. It has no known limits, and once you tap into it you will realize what truly rich choices you have. May each painting you do from that sacred place include an expression of gratitude for the extraordinary privilege of being an artist..."

If you were not a painter, what activity would you be pursuing?

Some type of Counseling or maybe a Park Ranger.....!

What is your favorite color, and why?

Orange and Purple are my favorites, but they are all great!!!! I really don't know why, but I think they are healing colors.

What would you like to comment on or share that you haven't been asked?

As the saying goes....."If you can dream it...you can do it!!!!!"