I have loved to draw and paint ever since I was a young child, in fact, it's hard to remember a time when I wasn't  up to my eyebrows in one "project" or another!  I can remember  "embellishing" the area above my door frame  with a painter's palette  and the words "The Studio" when I was in Jr. High... how blessed to have a Mother with an "open mind" to my creative endeavors! :)

     Since 1987 the focus of my painting has been mainly within the realm of the the decorative arts.  A designer, author and teacher, I love to share my passion for painting  with enthusiasm!

     When our first son was born in 2000 I changed the name of my business to Joyful Heart Studio, a reflection of my inner gratefulness as my husband and I had waited 14 years for our home to include a child.  Seven years later our blessings increased with the birth of our second son... our hearts are so full!  Since 2000 I have shifted my focus from a busy teaching schedule to that of the cherished role of "mommy".  I know how quickly this time will pass so for now I am enjoying every precious moment!

     My painting time is now split between designing for my sister website "ToleTown" (an online community for decorative painters from all over the world) and designing and painting original works to be reproduced as prints and licensed for various home decor and "nesting" products.  Being able to work from home is such an amazing blessing!

Speaking of home, as I write this little update (April 2008) we are climbing out of the first winter in our log cabin!  There's still much to be done, but what a thrill to be building our "dream home" together, literally working side by side with much help from family and friends!  Memories in the making and soon a lovely new view to paint by from our home in the woods!

     The road from childhood dreams to this moment in time has been tread one step at a time and from it I have learned to never... never give up on your dreams.