I have been painting for 15 years and am a self-taught artist who has worked in many mediums, most recently finding a deep love for oil painting and plein air. Painting outdoors has brought together two things that are important to me: making art and exploring. I love being outside and discovering new places around Connecticut, whether I am painting a familiar landscape or seeing somewhere for the first time.

Plein air painting is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes uncomfortable, and I love that about it. Cold hands, bugs, people chatting nearby, changing weather, and light moving faster than I can keep up with are all part of the experience. Working quickly has taught me to trust my instincts, simplify what I see, and allow the brushwork and light to speak for themselves.

Art has also been a healing tool in my own life, and that experience has shaped how I think about making and sharing art with others. One of my strengths is creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to try. I founded the Central Connecticut Plein Air Guild because I wanted to create a welcoming community where artists could get outside, paint together, learn from one another, and most importantly, not be afraid to begin.

I have met many people who tell me they “used to make art.” I often think they are simply waiting for permission to start again. I don’t see the point in guarding the door. Art should be accessible, encouraging, and a place where people can express themselves without feeling intimidated.

My goal is to continue developing my own painting skills while encouraging creativity in my community and among my peers. As a painter, I want to become faster and more confident. I want to see quicker, respond to changing light, and say more with less. I want my paintings to feel alive and honest, allowing the experience of being there to come through in the paint.

As I continue to explore Connecticut and beyond, I hope to keep learning, keep painting, and keep making room for other people to find their way into art.