My goal is 1000 portraits.

How will I develop, change, explore? What will my portrait chronicles reveal?

The arrival of COVID, with its seclusion. provided the opportunity to begin this long-desired exploration, allowing me to focus completely on pastel and portraiture…

I had intermittently attended NODG drawing sessions at the Fair Grinds Coffee Shop in the early days sketched primarily with ink pens with a touch of pastels and charcoal. My lockdown silver lining was weekly drawing practice with NODG via Zoom. Sandra Burshell is not only a dear friend and at one time was my neighbor, but also is the person who first introduced me to the medium of pastel. As such, it is my constant honor and delight to co-moderate, keep session timing and facilitate our monthly Open Discussions during these Zoom sessions.

As my archive of work expands, it reveals and opens up stories within. My inclusion in, and recognition from, various regional, national and international online and live exhibitions, gives me the confidence, courage and determination to move forward in the realization of these stories.

This online community has broadened my horizon, grounded me, encouraged me and become my extended creative family. I am truly thankful.