About
Painting nature from the start
I began painting at the age of 12. My grandmother, an oil painter herself, sent me outside to get something I wanted to paint while I was visiting her mountain cabin one summer. I chose a pinecone. I still remember the scent of the trees outside. It was a beautiful afternoon with my grandmother - even though I know, now, she was probably trying to keep me occupied for a while. Well, it worked! I have been painting ever since.
​
Painting connects me with the beauty all around us. Painting is my peace. It reminds me there is something greater than us.
​
I've studied master painters for years, putting every technique I learned through development across the canvas. Teaching gives me the chance to share that knowledge and experience with my students, and watching them grow with their knowledge and experience.
​
A California plein aire painter
paints outside and on site. This impressionistic style is my true love. It takes me right into the scene, noticing the play of light through the landscape, feeling the warm sun or cool breeze. I am most at peace there.
​
Recently, I'm exploring color contrasts as a way to highlight feeling and personality by practicing portraiture. I'm also expanding my canvases to larger sizes so I can develop a theme or explore dimensions of light and shadow. - Anita
