• That in our go, go, go world, the most meaningful gift you can give yourself is to slow down and appreciate the timeless beauty that surrounds you . . . whether through an original piece of art, a beautiful flower, or the way the clouds form in the sky.
• That art is for everyone.
• And that collecting art is not about acquiring “things,” but about connecting with our innate capacity for joy and wonder.
  

“The whole culture is telling you to hurry, while the art tells you to take your time. Always listen to the art.” ~Junot Diaz

I’ve been drawing and painting since I was a child. I developed my classical art training while studying at the Art Students League of New York City, Parsons School of Design, the School of Visual Arts, and the New York Academy of Art. My passion for both realism and nature led me to start my professional art career working as a Natural Science Illustrator in New York City. 

After studying portraiture, commissioned portrait work soon became an important part of my artwork. I was awarded Signature status by the American Society of Portrait Artists, and I’ve been a contributing writer for the organization’s publications. My work hangs in private, corporate and public collections, and has been exhibited both nationally and internationally .I’ve also devoted much of my time to art education. I directed my own art school, The Academy of Classical Art, for four years in West Palm Beach, Fl. I’m also the author of numerous art instruction books published by Walter Foster, including:

• Realistic Textures
• Flowers & Botanicals
• How to Draw From Photographs
  
• Shortcuts and Artists’ Secrets
  
• Landscapes & Vistas
  
• Faces & Expressions
  

My husband and I lived in Central, Italy. When in Italy, I am surrounded by the hills and mountains of both Umbria and Tuscany, and I continue to be inspired by its natural beauty and artistic heritage. I’m also passionate about sharing my knowledge of Italy’s master artists and their unsurpassed contributions to the world of art.