My Art Making:    I draw my subjects for painting from the natural world - the splendors, big and small around my summer place in Wisconsin, the more exotic subjects available in my favorite winter get-away of Akumal Mexico, or what I may find in my own backyard in Minneapolis.  The observation necessary for creating art from life gives me a greater appreciation for both. My real inspiration for painting, however, comes from the paint itself.  The natural subject is just a starting place - a place to hang the paint.  I love the exploration and discovery involved in walking the tight rope between letting the paint do its own unpredictable thing and attempting to exert just the right amount control to keep it in line. Its always a great adventure!

Akumal Art Adventures: Learn to Paint/Visual Journal in Watercolor:

Each year, I like to share with others my enthusiasm for painting and my favorite painting place in paradise through the organization of an art making trip Akumal. We stay in a beautiful villa or condo on the water and create beautiful travel journals in watercolor. Picture painting on a white sand beach, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, while sitting under a palm tree.  See photos from past trips and get more info in my Painting Trips Album

NKB Studio/Gallery 425:

I feel blessed to be a part of an arts community the Northrup King Building. Years ago, when I went to look into renting a studio there was only one floor being occupied and my prospective space did not yet have walls and was described as the skyline view.  The walls were up by the time I moved in, followed by heat radiators, and now a multitude of great artists occupy the massive halls. When I walk the door each day, I am excited by the smell of art and the creativity that just oozes through the place! It has grown just like the Northrup kIng seeds that were once housed there.  There are now over 170 artists under one gigantic roof and the building is reported to be the largest of its kind in the world. You can see photos in my album  Northrup King Building: My Art Home.

"The Twin Cities homegrown art scene comes together under one roof a the ing Building. More than 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, printmakers and other artists have studios and galleries in the massive former factory..."

-Washington Post