Artist Statement
My artistic journey started 20 years ago inspired by the ever changing light on the landscape amid the Steinbeck immortalized hills where I live. Plein air painting is my chosen method therefore calling me to create paintings outdoors! Oil paint and an array of palette knives is my way of conveying what I see. After rendering my vision in bold shapes and color, I deconstruct the painting adding texture and angst. There is something exhilarating about spending 3 hours of your day to capturing all of that energy and beauty. #YouHadToBeThere.
A passion ignited by a passion leads the path to success. Since I am an avid equestrian, I like to begin my day with a ride on my horse Diamante which balances the artistic flow. Art and horses will always intertwine in my life. It is all about that movement, which I interpret in my dressage and paintings. My best work comes from that powerful engagement and risk always plays a part. My work is impressionistic bordering in abstraction.
I am happy to share that I am a member of the prestigious Carmel Art Association. The art organization is one of the oldest in the US and represents only the very best of the region. California legendary artists’ Armin Hanson and William Ritschel were early CAA members and also considered colorists that I find inspiring!
Originally, I am from South Africa but have called the Monterey Peninsula home for 30 years and counting. The incredible beauty of the region, I plan to capture within the surface of each painting for years to come. My Gallery is located in The Barnyard, Suite F22, Carmel CA. 831-596-3950
2019 I won 1st place by “The Friends of the Columbia Gorge” in The Pacific Northwest Plein Air in The Columbia Gorge.
2nd place in the Mariposa paintout in Sedona Plein air 2019.
A 2 woman show 2019 at Carmel Art Association….Plein Air to Abstraction.
Awarded the Denis Diderot grant for Chateau d’Orquevoux in France, april 2019.
Juried into Carmel Art Festival in May 2019.
2019 2nd Place, Signature show at The Sunset Center MBPAPA Abstraction.
2018 I was juried into Carmel Plein Air Festival and Sedona Plein Air Festival.
My painting “Just Breath” was used for the cover for The Renaissance Show in Yosemite.
2017 solo show “Magnum Mania” at The Sunset Center, Carmel, CA
2017 2nd place for “Toy Town” at Pacific Grove Art Center, CA
2017 Colorful Cliffs won Honorable Mention in Steinbeck Country
2016 “Tehame Twilight” won Honorable Mention in Art Takes Wing at Pacific Grove History Museum.
2016 “indigo Released” won Honorable Mention in MBPAPA all member show at Pacific Grove Art Museum.
2016 “Kaleidoscope” solo show @ Montrio Bistro.
2015 I won 1st place in The Big Sur Plein Air Festival for “Lucia Laze” and Honorable Mention for “Pacific Ponder.
