In my teen years, I purchased my first used camera for only $5.00 to take with me on a trip out west to the majestic Rocky Mountains.  Needless to say, I was bitten by the photography bug. Many years later, my membership in various photographic clubs has allowed me to pursue my love of photography, learn by taking part in various club projects and enjoy the fellowship of other photographers.  I am relatively new to painting, having taken lessons during the past few years from local accomplished artists in watercolour and acrylic medium.  I enjoy taking part in workshops whenever possible, one of my most enjoyable being a water media collage workshop with well-known American artist, Carrie Burns Brown.  I feel my knowledge of photography has helped me immensely, in particular with regard to composition and the art of seeing.  As with photography, I enjoy a variety of subject matter.  I welcome the challenge of painting on many different surfaces.  For the most part, I enjoy vivid colour and incorporating texture into my work through the experimental use of a variety of mediums.  It is my goal to continue to develop my technical skills in both my photographic and painted interpretations, in order to accurately portray what I feel, onto the support of choice.  A single flower can evoke an emotional response equal to that of a mountain view, or a magnificent sunset.  I enjoy being "taken away to another place" as I pursue my craft.  It is my hope to bring others along with me and to put forward these feelings through my artistic renditions.  While valuing and respecting my fellow artists, I strive continually to learn, improve and to maintain individuality in my art, all the while enjoying the ride and keeping it fun.