Born 1943 in Rolling Fork, MS, the Delta was my home for many years. Even though I now reside in Madison county, the flat, fertile land still lures me back. Ties to the region have held strong no matter where I’ve lived over the years. Ties to artistic creativeness have also held strong. However, art was not part of our school curriculum during my early education. My first basic art courses were at DSU but upon transferring to the Memphis Art Academy the door was opened to a myriad of classes, a variety of instructors with diverse styles. Watercolor and oil painting, life drawing, design, pottery, and sculpture were some of the courses offered. A later stint at Ole Miss majoring in theater/set design proved fun but impractical. During this period I met and married my husband of 35 years. Art took a backseat as years flew by. The birth of two daughters, my husband’s military career taking us from one coast to the other; not once, but twice and in between, a tour in Hawaii. Now I was using my talent by helping my children's with school art projects; using craft paints and construction paper instead of oils and canvases. Not until 2004 would I pick up a palette, take a brush and lay paint to a canvas. Although the re-learning process has been difficult, I was fortunate to study for almost five years with well-known Mississippi artist, Bob Tompkins. Under his guidance I feel I have continued to grow as an artist once more. Participation in workshops offered by Joe Anna Arnett, Alan Flattmann, Lucy Mazzerferro, William Kalwick, Jr., Roger Dale Brown, and Qiang-Huang have helped the process continue. I enjoy using oils to paint Delta landscapes en plein aire but when weather doesn't permit, inspiration comes from a never ending supply of subjects provided by my photographer daughter. Failing that, there's always a still life waiting in the wings. I currently am a member of several art associations and participate in local art shows and galleries. I aspire to paint everyday even if it's one goal I don't always achieve. However, a canvas is always on the easel; a "painting in progress" just waiting to be completed!