Expression Through Flowers as Still Life  Flowers! These paintings celebrate the abundant floral gifts of the garden that subtly symbolize our selves. They are metaphors for the life cycle. And objects of beauty. I present here bouquets that are ripe with riotous colors of pure joy. Or quiet florals in shades of black and white, reminders of life's fragility. I explore different painting media for my still lives depending on my intention. I like to experiment. The mood of the piece dictates the palette. I use oil paint or gouache or encaustics in my vibrant multi-hued florals to dazzle. The paintings in smoky shades of black and white are composed with charcoal, graphite, gouache and acrylic. They lure us into meditation and a quiet space.  I am a contemporary artist who works with abstraction, narrative, and nature in my artwork. My love of painting brought me to UW where I received an MFA. I love the process of color, gesture and drawing that evolves into an artwork!