My paintings are inspired by the connections I see in the natural world, the trust between horse and rider, the curious interactions of wildlife, and the changing light across the landscape. Growing up in Alberta and later spending six years in Mexico deepened my appreciation for both the places I visit and the place I call home, while shaping my love of expressive, luminous colour.
Through contemporary impressionism, I aim to capture more than the appearance of a moment. I'm drawn to the feeling within it, using bold brushwork, pure, prismatic colour alongside earthy tones, and a balance of spontaneity and intention.
For me, painting is also an expression of how I choose to see the world. I believe there is beauty to be found even through the rain. I choose to look toward the horizon, appreciate the ordinary, and discover wonder in the unexpected. It's a perspective I hope to share through my paintings.
Inspiration
I live where Alberta's farmland meets the foothills, with the Rocky Mountains rising in the distance. Our ever-changing weather brings dramatic thunderstorms, brilliant skies, and beautiful shifts in light. From golden canola fields and shimmering poplar leaves to the animals that share this landscape, inspiration is never far away.
Often, it's the spontaneous moments that capture my attention, a Clydesdale and a magpie exchanging curious glances, my dog gently observing a butterfly, or horses at play. These encounters remind me how much there is to discover when we take the time to notice.
I hope my paintings bring some of that beauty and wonder into the spaces where they live, becoming a welcome part of someone's everyday life.
Process
My paintings often begin with energetic layers of acrylic, allowing spontaneity and intuition to guide the early stages. I then develop them further with oils, using transparent glazes, expressive brushwork, and touches of opaque colour to build luminosity and depth.
I love the character of broken brushwork, where individual strokes and colours remain visible, creating movement across the canvas. I balance these expressive marks with more deliberate details, allowing abstraction and representation to work together.
For me, a painting is finished when it still carries the freedom and feeling of the original inspiration, along with the new sides of the story that emerge along the way.
The Beginnings
I was fortunate to grow up in a creative family. My father, a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and a dedicated oil painter, was my first art teacher. He welcomed me into his studio, where I spent hours learning and painting miniature versions of his work.
My mother encouraged creativity through sewing, books, cooking, and a love of learning. Being homeschooled gave me the freedom to pursue drawing, painting, illustration, and art competitions from a young age.
When I was very small, our family moved from Calgary to farmland in Mountain View County. That's when my world expanded to include open fields, farm animals, and eventually some horseback riding. Those experiences nurtured my lasting appreciation for animals, the land, and the relationships built on trust.
While my childhood held plenty of learning, imagination, and play, there were also experiences that required me to grow up sooner than expected. Perhaps because of that, I've come to value the importance of holding on to a childlike sense of curiosity and wonder.
There are certainly times in life to be serious, but I believe we also need room to be spontaneous, experiment, and see familiar things with fresh eyes. That openness is something I carry into my adult life and definitely into my painting.
Acrylic painting - age 9 - Entered into a North American Youth Artist Contest (winner among top 10) - Adopted to be hung in the Case IH Head Office located in Racine, Wisconsin
'Magpie' Oil Painting - age 17
Custom Sketch - age 19
My Artist Journey
In my late teens and early twenties, I entered the corporate world, spending my weekdays in an office while continuing to create art whenever I could.
Life events led me to Mexico, where I lived for six years while working remotely and painting part-time. The vibrant colours, landscapes, and culture left a lasting impression on how I saw the world.
After returning to Alberta, I worked with watercolour and charcoal before an opportunity to exhibit a piece in the Calgary Stampede Silent Art Auction encouraged me to try something new. I returned to painting with acrylics, drawn to their expressive nature and the freedom to work on a larger scale. Over time, this developed into the contemporary impressionist style that defines my work today.
More recently, I've welcomed oils back into my process, combining their richness and subtlety with the spontaneity of acrylics. I appreciate that painting continually offers opportunities to learn and grow.
My husband also brings his own craftsmanship to my work, meticulously creating handcrafted maple frames that complement my paintings.
The Studio
My studio is located in Mountain View County, Alberta, where I welcome private visits by appointment.
There's something special about experiencing original artwork in person, seeing the brushwork, layers, and subtle details that photographs can't fully capture.
You can also find my work at annual exhibitions, including the Calgary Stampede Western Art Show and Spruce Meadows Masters.
Whether you're interested in visiting the studio, discussing a commissioned painting, or simply connecting, I'd love to hear from you.
Highlighted Events & Curated Show History
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Calgary Stampede Western Art Show (2019 - Current)
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Spruce Meadows Masters annually since 2022 - Calgary, Alberta (2016, 2021 - Current)
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Best of the West' Show 2025 - Great falls, Montana (2025)
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Pure West Art Auction since 2022 - Calgary, Alberta
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Solo Exhibition and Representation at Diony Distillery & Gallery (2023 - 2025)
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Solo Exhibition at Blue Rock Law Office - Calgary, Alberta (2024 - 2025)
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Calgary's Premier Art Market - Calgary, Alberta (2018 - 2022)
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CFR & Farmfair Intl - Edmonton, Alberta (2016 - 2019)
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Ponoka Stampede Art Show - Ponoka, Alberta (2015 - 2019)
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Juried Member's Show, Leighton Art Centre - Millerville, Alberta (2016)
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Pumphouse Theatre (2014)
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Wellspring Association of Artists - Art in the Atrium - Olds, Alberta (2014 - 2017)
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A Brush with Art Show & Sale - Didsbury, Alberta (2014 - 2017)
Press/Publication Features
Western Art Collector - February/2025
Canadian Country Cowboy Magazine - August/September 2023
Prairie Magazine (Red Deer Advocate) - July 2022
Collections
I am deeply grateful that my work has found a home in diverse collections, from first-time art buyers to established art collectors. It is the highest compliment when a painting is chosen for personal homes, where they become part of a family's daily life and are entrusted to mark important moments or even the simple joys of everyday.
Known Locations of Original Art Acquisitions: Private & Corporate
Canada
Alberta: Calgary - Edmonton - Foothills County - Mountain View County - Flagstaff County
British Columbia: Vancouver
Ontario: Toronto
International
United States: Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin
British Overseas Territories: Turks and Caicos