For years, people have asked me how I create my artwork. I usually explain that I start with a collage base on wood panel, add gesso, transfer my own photos using acrylic medium, and then build up layers with colored pencil, paint, and more collage.

My artwork often features natural specimens, everything from butterflies, skulls, and nests to shells, bits of wood, and even the occasional dehydrated reptile. Sometimes they appear as standalone elements, and other times I arrange them into still-life tableaus.

Art journaling is one of my most essential creative practices. It’s more than just a sketchbook, it's a space for exploration, reflection, growth, and play. Whether I’m processing emotions, testing out new techniques, or just giving myself the freedom to create with no expectations, my journal is always there.

I remember being a child on a camping trip in Bodega Bay, along the northern California coast. Our campsite was nestled in the dunes, not far from the beach, and I spent hours wandering the sandy trails on my own. It felt like a grand adventure, exhilarating and full of possibility.

I’m delighted to invite you to a special Open Studio & Garden Tour at my home in Antelope, California, happening Saturday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Just RSVP for the address and come enjoy a beautiful spring day immersed in art and nature.