In 2004 I decided to begin more classical studies and began lessons in drawing, charcoal and oil painting at the Main Street Art Center in Lake Zurich with teachers Frankie Johnson and Susan Ploughe.  In 2006 I took classes at the Clearing in Door County, WI.  In 2007 I became interested in pastels and have taken the class with Frankie and with William A. Schneider OPA at the Fredericksburg’s Artist School in Fredericksburg, Texas.   Mr. Schneider is an instructor at the Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago.  

I enjoy exploring different media and have done work with quilting, collage and mosaics and stained glass.  I have studied still life, landscape and portraits and figures.  I hope to continue improving my skills with practice and continuing studies. 

I am currently on the board for the Arts in Action Gallery in Lake Zurich, Illinois .