In early childhood, my love affair with the face began. Studying paintings of the Masters,
I learned with pen and sketchpad how to recreate the facial structure and the subtle quality of facial expression. It wasn’t until later, as a makeup artist , that I learned to change how a face appears with shading and highlights.
I returned to my native Philadelphia after nearly 20 years working as a film and television makeup artist in Los Angeles, California. While shooting on location, I was exposed to people and cultures rich in color & imagery. It was during this time, that I began to study and develop my art.....
After working and traveling in Africa, a passion for the tribal decorations of these proud people merged into my unique style of portraiture. I began to paint in color for the first time, and I jumped in with both feet!! The contrast between the chaotic colors of the subjects’ personal decorations and their quiet dignity are intended to draw the viewer into a world where these exhilarating colors lead to a peace within.
My mediums are acrylic or oil on canvas, paper, or wood panel. Occasionally, there is a textural addition of sawdust, shredded paper, sand or eggshell. Brushes, palette knife, and latex gloves are my vehicles.
Selected Exhibits
2009 NOMA Art Festival, featured artist, Phila, Pa
2009 Triumph Upstairs Gallery, 2 man show, Phila., Pa
2006 Esque Gallery, Solo exhibit, Phila, Pa
2004 Anvil Gallery, 12 artist show, Pottstown, Pa
2003 Tyme Gallery, Juried show, Havertown, Pa
1997 Citibank , Group show, Haddonfield, NJ
1994 East Wind, Group show, Marina Del Rey, Ca
Education
West Chester University, Pa
Joe Blasco Makeup Center, Hollywood, Ca
Studied painting privately with:
- Frank Bruno, Collegeville, Pa
- James Reppenning, Haddonfield, NJ
- Vibul Wonprasat, Los Angeles, Ca
Affiliations
Philadelphia Art Alliance (artist)
PA Guild of Craftsmen
I.A.T.S.E. Local 798 Makeup Artists' Union
Greater Philadelphia Film Org.
