Most of my work history involves teaching. I taught elementary art for several years, then when I had children of my own, I became a stay-at-home mom until the children went to school. I sought work at the same time and found that there weren't that many available jobs. It was necessary for me to seek employment in another field. I went back to school to try my hand at something else yet maintain my interest in art.

At the same time, computers and graphic software became popular and I became drawn to it. I took every class that I could and as a result, I found a job in the printing world. The work there, however, is more technical than creative but it gave me extensive use of graphic software. I widened my interest in those packages and continue to learn them everyday. I was also offered a parttime job teaching those same classes in a junior college. It turned out to be a really great experience.

Along the way, I still had my interest in art and began spending much of my free time drawing. I discovered colored pencils as an art medium and have been using them ever since. Colored pencils are affordable and they never seem to go to waste. Now, I draw constantly, seeing possibilites everywhere I go. I take a sketch book with me on almost every vacation and sometimes do quick sketches to remind me of places I have been. Most of my art is hanging in my house or given as gifts. Now that I have use of the internet, I can display them digitally for all the world to see.

W ith the advent of digital photography, I take a great many photos for reference. But even though I have a photo to look at, I often take liberties with my drawings. In other words, I do not try to do photorealistic artwork. I prefer, however, to look directly at the view I am trying to draw rather than use a photo.

The above image shows all of my necessities when I draw: art pencils of various brands, good drawing paper, a cat, a diet pepsi and reading glasses.