I began my artistic career as a Graphic Designer with expertise in illustration from colored pencils, designer markers, watercolors to computer vector art. Since 1986, I have had my hands in freelance creative projects with print-design to flinging paints and plasters. I became a Master Faux and Decorative Artisan in the mid 90’s with Faux Effects, Inc. of Vero Beach, Florida. Faux Effects had manufactured a line of waterborne materials to specialize in custom finishing. I became their Creative Director in 1998 and helped to develop their “Train the Trainer” program, traveling extensively to their distributor school as instructor and/or student for several years. I started my own independent school named Art-i-Matrix in Wichita, Kansas in 2003 and not only balanced contracting jobs but continued to offer all levels of classes for the decorative, faux painter to fine artist, along with many DYI courses. I continue now in Oklahoma in my custom designed small-space "PLAYHOUSE" located in a rural setting in Tahlequah with a specially designed classroom/artisan studio space to expand the awareness of creativity to those who want to focus on all-levels of PRINT-making, Card/Book-WORKS. I now have a NEW 20'x40' studio in the Ouachita Mountains in Talihina, Oklahoma....JOIN ME!? I have a passion for sharing my experience & knowledge with quality products and encouraging my students to express themselves! I have taught everything from pencil and charcoal drawing, water color, all varieties of plasters, mixed-media collage techniques to faux marble, woods to exotic surfaces… I have offered one-on-one private lessons to teaching small groups. I take pride in sharing my zest for ART with those who are new to it as well as assisting in the growth of those seasoned professional painters. I have developed custom art for several hotels and commercial spaces and continue to create original art on commission. I have a BFA in Graphic Design providing art services, consultation and teaching art for many scopes of function, fashion and faux. I believe that “We Are What We Create” and every individual should be allowed to experience the joy of CREATING… I believe ART HEALS and is a means to communicate, to assist in finding ones’ purpose and aids in uniting us all. “Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures”. -Henry Ward Beecher In the past, I have taught from San Diego to Sarasota. Now I am offering one-on-one private lessons, art instruction, small class and special retreats to relax and enjoy the remote, quiet mountain surroundings. I have been featured in numerous Faux & Decorative Magazines, Paint & Retailers Magazines and the Faux Effects World International Magazine. I have written numerous “How-to’s”. I have been published in the following books: "The House that Faux Built" by Adrienne Van Dooren "Simply Creative" by Gary Lord "International Contemporary Artists" Vol. VII Various Trade Newsletters I was a sponsor for “FROG” Tape and the ShurTech Company budgeted for my travel and supply expenses during a two-year period where I taught in San Diego, Chicago, Sarasota, Cincinnati and more. I treated myself to a “Student” experience in Santa Fe in the Fall of 2019 hosted by Art Fusion and had the pleasure to meet Kevin Greenland and Phil Garrett at the “GOLDEN” booth. I was instantly compelled to learn more about the GOLDEN line of products. I am thrilled and elated that I am now moving forward as a GOLDEN Artist Educator and very proud to be a part of such a wonderful colorful company!! THANK YOU GOLDEN for including me in your Educator training...the experience in New Orleans was above & beyond and unforgettable!!