The Archives

Watercolor on Baohong rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

Watercolor on Baohong rough
9” x 12”
SOLD

Watercolor on Arches Rough
13” x 17”
$425

Watercolor on Baohong rough
22” x 15”
SOLD

Watercolor on Baohong rough
22” x 15”
SOLD

This charming scene could easily be somewhere in France. All the dappled light, trees, and many textures made it a joy to paint. I challenged myself to maintain focus on the store window and adjacent wall, even though the courtyard kept luring me away.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
16” x 12”
SOLD

My passion for all things gritty merged with my penchant for sparkle and bold colors and I had a hard time deciding what angle to paint of this bustling diner. What helped me decide was “needing” that bright, yellow girder off to the right.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
16” x 12”
SOLD

I’ve had Stans’ Donuts in my sights for quite some time and have many shots of it in different lighting situations, but when I saw this, I couldn’t stop grinning. ALL the colors!

Watercolor on Baohong rough
16” x 12”
SOLD

I was charmed by this lively, corner bar—it’s predictable when twinkly lights are involved. I was also captivated by the different kinds of lighting  going on inside and out. There were some very fun shadows to capture.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
12’ x 12”
SOLD

All I could hear were crickets as I stared at that ultramarine blue sky. I love alleys and this has so many little stories going on. And of course, finding twinkly lights in an alley is a total bonus.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
16” x 12”
SOLD

The line for Mario’s Italian Lemonade says it all, and it only grows longer as the night unfolds. The glowing beacon of Taylor Street, so fun to paint when the twinkly lights are at full power.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
16” x 12”
SOLD

Perfect lighting combined with the delicious earthen tones of Pompeii—both the restaurant and the region—make a very inviting scene. And I actually got to use my Pompeii Red paint!

Watercolor on cold press
12” x 9”
SOLD

I waited until it was almost dark so I could capture the sparkle of the fountain, as well as the glow of the restaurant. I love all the contrasts in this scene of a perfect summer evening.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
12” x 16”
SOLD

This scene could easily be in Italy, especially with the can of aranciata on the little table. That awning creates wonderful lights and darks on the glass, letting you see more of the neighborhood on a favorite street.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

Much of painting is waiting around for the right light. Patience paid off and the sunlight made the Fontano’s sign and doorway the stars. The afternoon shadows made for a lively neighborhood scene.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

It was twilight when the pinks of the Rosebud sign just started to glow. I challenged myself to capture both the glow of the sign and light of the sky at dusk so that more of the features of the building would be visible.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

Enjoying the shade at Carm’s allowed me to show off all the fun, primary colors of the signs and umbrellas. And let’s not forget twinkly lights— even if it’s the middle of the day.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

That unmistakable, red awning  owns this scene and I wanted to make it as dominant as possible. It also helped create some striking shadows for the patrons enjoying some of the best beef sandwiches in the city.

Watercolor on Arches rough
9” x 12”
SOLD

The town square was lit up with a concert of twinkly lights that demanded to be captured. And the indigo sky was a perfect foil for all the different shades of yellow and green that glowed underneath the traffic lights.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

When you wait for Golden Hour, magic happens. I’d been stalking this scene but the light was flat and not making the most of all the colors and reflections. Finally it hit just right. The sky was a serene cerulean which gave a nice balance of negative space to the busy boats.

Watercolor on cold press
16” x 12”
SOLD

Walking down to the beach is a memory forged in childhood, and the anticipation of finally getting there never changes. The lake and sky were still moody after a storm and the afternoon light was perfect.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

I stopped by in early May and the place was literally vibrating in blues and greens like it’d come out of a page in a coloring book. My first time painting AstroTurf!

Watercolor on Baohong rough
8” x 8”
SOLD

A tiny, lively beer garden with so much energy. I was drawn to the contrast in lighting of the warm, twinkly lights and umbrellas against the cooler lights and dark brick of the pub. Lots of fun shadows to paint.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
12” x 12”
SOLD

I finally decided to tackle this icon when I stumbled upon an angle and lighting that inspired me. The architecture was challenging, but the light-play was a blast—so much energy!

Watercolor on Baohong rough
16” x 21”
SOLD

I couldn’t resist this super-charged nocturne with all it’s bright lights and glowing shadows. And also I’m a sucker for viaducts, especially those that glow orange. So much energy here.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
22” x 15”
SOLD

A sultry, summer afternoon is the perfect time to meet up at Marge’s. The glowing light and reflections at this hour accentuated both the lights and darks in this lively scene.

Watercolor on cold press
16” x 12”
SOLD

The Music Box Theater is an icon and you only need to see a little bit of it to recognize it. I love the bouncing red lights and how the marquee lights up the people in line—and especially how it peeks out between the trees

Watercolor on Baohong rough
15” x 11”
SOLD

When it’s finally warm enough to open up the tavern windows is the best time for happy hour. I love how everything glows on this otherwise dark corner—so inviting!

Watercolor on Baohong rough
15” x 11”
SOLD

Golden Hour sunlight made everything pop in this scene, especially the greens of this charming, neighborhood favorite. And the turning leaves helped too.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
8” x 8”
SOLD

Waiting for the light to be just right really paid off. The majestic corner (turret?) of the Ale House dominates that familiar street view with its bright light and deep shadow.

Watercolor on Baohng rough
13” x 9”
SOLD

I usually prefer to paint nocturnes of pubs because they can look a little drab by day—not this one! An explosion of colors, textures, shadows and twinkly lights make for a lively capture of a neighborhood institution.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

Bright umbrellas on a sunny, summer day in the heart of Chicago. Perfect. Painting juicy shadows is one of the many reasons I love watercolors.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
12” x 12”
SOLD

This place never sleeps and Clark Street wouldn’t be the same without it. Capturing it as a nocturne harnesses all the energy of the neighborhood—so many great colors and textures.

Watercolor on Arches rough
16” x 12”
SOLD

I collect alley images because I love the textures they offer. No two are alike and yet they all say “Chicago”. I love this one for its glow and the spiderweb of wires. And also its puddle—something else I collect.

Watercolor on Arches rough
16” x 12”
SOLD

I’ve stalked this alley for several years and finally decided I was ready to paint it. The explosion of colors is a great counterpoint to the grit and mood of the view. This was a fantastic exercise in not letting your brain get in the way of your eyes.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

I stood here forever admiring the light and shadows—and the gargoyle—all the while wondering what kind of shorthand to use to suggest all that ivy. A majestic challenge that left me smiling.

Watercolor on cold press
12” x 12”
SOLD

The light-play here was spectacular, it’s what happens in the shade on a bright, sunny day. I relished the challenge of capturing all the textures of the stonework and wrought iron.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

It was still daylight when I walked past this electric scene and I was mesmerized by everything going on. The neon, the accumulated patina of the establishment, all the items on display, and the energy of the place demanded to be captured.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

This humble ladder has given access to countless swims, both modest and epic, and it would be incomplete without its stoic, yet flamboyant partner. Cheers to you on this glorious
morning!

Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

A spectacular day to go for a swim. Perfect water, perfect sunlight, and a perfect high elbow—for those that appreciate. The sultry shadows made everything pop.

Watercolor on Baohong cold press
8” x 8”
SOLD

The lake has many moods and not all are confidence-inspiring. On this blustery, strangely lit day, several fearless souls jumped right in, safety buoys blazing. The pale, pale lake was a stark contrast to the colors and textures of sky and land.

Watercolor on cold press
14” x 10”
SOLD

The University of Chicago campus has countless scenes just begging to be painted and it’s hard to choose. Here I was inspired by the way your eye travels through bright light and colors past the dark, cool archway and then into sunlight again.

Watercolor on Baohong cold press
8” x 8”
SOLD

The unique colors of the Arcada Theater anchor this vibrant and bustling scene. It’s watercolors at their best, using them to transition between the different planes of focus within the scene.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
22” x 15”
SOLD

Shiny, bronze foxes set against a bustling river scene was an irrisistible challenge for me. Capturing the textures and giving them weight while separating them from the background was very satisfying.

Watercolor on Arches rough
9” x 12”
SOLD

I’d painted this Art Deco gem by day and had a feeling a nocturnal version would really sing. My favorite part of the Pickwick is the very tope of the tower, twinkling in the night sky.

Watercolor on cold press paper
16” x 12”
SOLD

Golden hour was the perfect time to capture this lively, neighborhood street with something for everyone. I patiently waited for it to get dark enough to see the neon signs and twinkly lights.

Watercolor on WN cold press
12" x 9"
SOLD

This is definitely the magnet of the neighborhood. Tiny and bustling with happy people, I had to wait for my chance to see enough of it as people came and went. A perfect summer evening.

Watercolor on WN cold press
12" x 9"
SOLD

This Chicago institution spans almost a city block, and the bounce light coming from the glass skyscraper across the street creates some amazing effects on this stately but colorful restaurant.

Watercolor on cold press
16" x 12"
SOLD

I walked the length of Milwaukee Ave.  from Western to Grand, scouting for scenes to paint. This was one of my favorites because of how it transitions from a neighborhood street to glittering sky-scrapers. My favorite way to paint our skyline.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
22" x 15"
SOLD

This now-gone favorite had been on my list for over a year and I have no idea why it took me so long to paint it. There's a lot going on, but that's its charm.

Watercolor on cold press
16" x 12"
SOLD

All of Buckingham Fountain can become a static composition because of its size, but I really enjoyed capturing this corner. The negative space of the blue sky is a perfect balance to all that’s going on in the water. And rubbing off the masking fluid on the spray at the end was extremely satisfying.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
12' x 12"
SOLD

Besides my fetish for viaducts, I also really enjoy painting movie theaters. There are few left in their original condition and this one is a celebration of Art Deco. I’d planned on painting it as a nocturne, but the afternoon sun sets off more of its features.

Watercolor on cold press
16" x 12"
SOLD

I have known this store since I was four years old, introduced to it by my father. That sign! Thankfully it survived a fire. Nothing is more Chicago than the pulse and grit of Wabash Ave.

Watercolor on cold press
16" x 12"
$425
SOLD

The front of Jr.’s Red Hots deserves a portrait, but I could not resist the composition of this view. Those twinkly lights against the dusk sky lead you to the screaming colors of that little stand—so much energy!

Watercolor on Arches cold press
12" x 12"
SOLD

I’d received a lot of requests to paint this scene, and now I know why. When I first saw it in the daytime, all that beige was uninspiring; but at night it was magic! A complete makeover.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12" x 16"
SOLD

I don’t usually enjoy painting a subject more than once, but not in this case. The colors, energy, and sparkle in this scene keep me coming back—so many possibilities!

Watercolor on Arches rough
16" x 12"
SOLD

I’d considered painting this lively restaurant as a nocturne, but then you wouldn’t see all that fantastic red and green! I love how the sunlight finds all the edges and textures, not to mention what it does to the colors.

Watercolor on cold press
14" x 10"
SOLD

I’d walked past this scene so many times, but it was never in the right light to capture the summer-camp vibe. Then the sun created my favorite tree shadows and it was time.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12" x 9"
SOLD

I had been watching the waves on this day filled with big clouds and afternoon sun when I turned to look in the opposite direction. I was gob-smacked by the amazing light-play and those peeks of blue from the sky and chairs. A must-paint.

Watercolor on Arches rough
16” x 12”
SOLD

Late afternoon light set off all the contrasts on this historic, little theater. I especially enjoyed the interplay between the yellow and maroon tiles against the cool blues of the shade.

Watercolor on cold press
12” x 9”
SOLD

As I wandered around scouting for images, this scene instantly composed itself. Bright whites and deep shade are stunning partners, and even more satisfying to capture as reflections.

Watercolor on cold press
16” x 12”
SOLD

Some of my favorite colors are in this vibrant scene. I really enjoy painting shop windows and letting the medium suggest the interior, letting hard and soft edges define a space.

Watercolor on cold press
12” x 9”
SOLD

I enjoyed capturing the subtle greens and aquas of this scene as well as the geometry of the composition. Most of all, however, I wanted to capture the pops of color in all those stripes. I can never resist orange.

Watercolor on Arches cold press
12” x 12”
SOLD

I instantly knew I had to paint this summer scene. Hot red, cool blue, striped umbrellas, and giant trees, all doused in sunshine and shadow. The perfect setting for a charming shack.

Watercolor
12” x 9”
SOLD

You can feel the cool air coming out of the theater in this scene and I wanted to capture the contrast between the sunny street scene and the cool dark of the entryway.

Watercolor on Arches cold press
12” x 12”
SOLD

Painted en plein-air for the Evanston competition, I ad less than two hours to complete this before I had to move my car. A blessing in disguise that forced me to make swift decisions about color and light. This piece was given the Local Favorite Award.

Watercolor
12” x 9”
SOLD

A jewel of a shop in a jewel of a building. The sunlight, architecture, and vibrant colors were a joy to capture en plein-air.

Watercolor
14” x 10”
SOLD

A most challenging plein-air capture not because of the glorious subject, but because I had to stand in a type of grotto in a viaduct, on the side of a very busy road. Worth every, harrowing minute.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

I’d been eyeing this scene for years; the dappled light and the old stairs that lead to that fairytale cottage behind the lighthouse. Painting it en plein air however, required that I stand in mosquito-infested sand and foliage on one of the summer’s most hot and humid days. Geting that light was worth it!

Watercolor
14” x 10”
SOLD

Painted en plein-air as a demonstration for the Evanston competition. It as the last da of a 10-day painting event and I had no idea what I was going to paint until I turned around and saw everything I enjoy all in one scene. It had color, light-play, and texture.

Watercolor
12” x 9”
SOLD

A favorite haunt from college, this lush, peaceful but vibrant scene was pained en pein-air for the Evanston competition.

Watercolor
14” x 10”
SOLD

Sunlit white sand and the reflections of a changing sky create a scene that is both peaceful and dynamic.

Watercolor on Arches Rough
12” x 9”
Private Collection

I was minding my own business, admiring the big red umbrellas and lush foliage when a fierce group of girls came through the scene wearing the most colorful, fluffy boas—and each other’s Crocs. I like how the composition reflects their charging through the space.

Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

I love shadow patterns, but more than that, I love anything colorful—and this street scene delivered. It was a fun challenge to use Lemon Yellow and Cobalt Turquoise to make many of the vibrant greens of this summer afternoon.

Watercolor on Arches rough
16” x 12”
SOLD

I’d had a lot of requests to paint this iconic Chicago lounge, and I knew I wanted to capture it at night, when that neon sign glitters like a flapper’s dress, but I kept chickening out. No more! The trick is to paint what you “see” and not what you “think” you see.

Watercolor
12’ x 12’
SOLD

Probably the most fun you can have with watercolors. The BEST colors, screaming sunshine, deep, velvety shadows, and a happy web of twinkly lights. I really had to plan this one out, but so satisfying to paint.

Watercolor on cold press paper
14” x 10”
SOLD

This was one of the first nice days of early Spring and the vibrant colors in this scene demanded to be painted. I love how the bright sunlight also creates such deep shadows. Also, I’m a sucker for twinkly lights
Watercolor on Arches rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

Margie’s is always fun to paint, but I’d never seen it early in the morning. The direct sun on the sign and awnings with a receding, stormy sky as a backdrop made for an explosion of primary colors.

Watercolor on Arche$ rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

The light after a thunderstorm is always diffused and unique. I was driving home at sunset and was struck by how that light unified the colors in this most urban scene.

Watercolor on Arches rough
16” X 12”
SOLD

I’m always drawn to the glow of

interiors in a nocturne scene but the bonus here is the play of light coming through the stained glass window— irresistible! You just want to be inside eating pizza.

Watercolor
12” x 12”
SOLD

A favorite I wanted to paint again, this time with different lighting. When its sunny you get beautiful, deep shadows that pick up the cobalt blue in that iconic paneling. But when it’s a little hazy, the blinds are up and you get to hint at the cozy interior. And the menus pop even more!

Watercolor on Arches cold press
12” x 12”
SOLD

I waited around for it to get dark so that this beauty of a vintage sign would come to life, and it did not disappoint! The light at dusk was perfect and the pinks and blues just kept flattering each other.

Watrcolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

Late, spring sunlight is still gaining strength, but it did a magnificent job of illuminating this street scene. It was both challenging and satisfying to pain the contrasting temperatures and reflections.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

Valois’ big, red sign is an icon, but what intrigued me is what goes on beneath that gray background. A vibrant contrast of colors, lights and textures where you can both see in, as well as what’s reflected.

Watercolor on Arches rough
14” x 10”
SOLD

Lit from all angles as well as within, this luminous nocturne instantly caught my attention. Each light source cast its own color and capturing the interplay on all the different surfaces was very satisfying.

Watercolor on Baohong rough
14” x 10”
SOLD

Dusk creates unique color and lighting situations; it’s not day and it’s not night and it can bring out some of the best combinations. I was drawn to both the reflections on the rocks and the twinkle of lights coming on in the distance and had to paint all of it!

Watercolor on Baohong rough
21” X 15”
SOLD

Unless you’re climbing in and out f the water, you rarely look at the rocks themselves, at the point. As I was scrambling around, these tough but beautiful little flowers caught my eye. Such a powerful yellow contrast to the blues, and greys around them.

Watercolor
7” x 10”
SOLD

This beautiful, Gothic entrance in a quiet corner of Hyde Park made me think it was a doorway to a magical fairy world. I’d never painted glass like that before and it was fun to figure out.

Watercolor on Arches Rough
12” x 9”
SOLD

There was just enough sunlight left to illuminate this beautiful building on the corner of 53rd Street. The greens of the glazed tile and the warm, sunset colors played very nicely together.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

This affable goat started out as the main image of a poster design and soon became a star in his own right. I wanted to paint him in the style of formal portraiture to contrast his less-than-formal personality.

Watercolor
18” x 12”
SOLD

Orange is one of my favorite colors and I got very excited when I saw all these glowing, terracotta hues. What made it all even better were the little pops of green from the traffic signs, which contrasted beautifully.

Watercolor
14” x 10”
SOLD

Is it Dublin? This charming pub demanded to be painted. The architecture, the reflections, and that fire-engine red were a joy to paint.

Watercolor
14” x 10”
SOLD

The tower is always photogenic, but what made me stop and stare were the beautiful reflections that appeared when the sun peeked out.

Watercolor
12” x 9”
SOLD

I’d sketched this Chicago gem during the day in the past and was drawn to the reds and greens of the 30’s exterior. Seeing it come alive at night, however, made it irresistible.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

This scene stopped me dead in my tracks. I was mesmerized by all the lights and colors going on at once—this place was fun just from the outside!

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

Nocturnes fascinate me and I finally worked up the confidence to paint this neighborhood icon. It is equally engaging during the day, but at night it takes on a life of its own.

Watercolor
22” x 15”
SOLD

A small, neighborhood pub with a big, colorful personality. I wandered around, waiting for dusk, to capture all the lights bouncing off the surfaces.

Watercolor
7” x 10”
SOLD

I usually don’t paint churches, but made an exception for this one. It’s in a quiet neighborhood, on a cul-de-sac, and when the sun hits it, it glows.

Watercolor
10” x 7”
SOLD

I drive home this way a lot, and this sunset scene is one of my favorites. The backdrop of the orange and pink sky sets off all the lights that are just starting to get bright.

Watercolor
8” x 8”
SOLD

If you walk along this street, much of it is in shadow and things are run down and dingy. But when you look up, however, wow!

Watercolor
12’ x 9”
SOLD

The yellow awning on this neighborhood liquor store steals the show. I love its vibrant contrast to the dark interior.

Watercolor
12” x 9”
$250

A wet, rainy night brings out a thousand colors, all competing for attention. I really enjoyed capturing the crisp lines of the building as well as the lights that go from warm to cool.

Watercolor
8” x 8”
SOLD

I’ve been wanting to paint this scene for a long time and finally one evening, the lighting worked. It’s a small stretch of street, but so vibrant and interesting.

Watercolor
8” x 8”
SOLD

The perfect light of this summer day made me want to tell the story of how the blue bins matched the cobalt blue of that incredible sky.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

This is a scene from my neighborhood in Jefferson Park. It’s really nothing special until the sun sets and all the lights come on, then it’s magic.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

The Edgewater Beach Apartments always steal the show, but what fascinated me was the gorgeous, green-tiled building across the street. I wanted to capture both because their colors are so unique. I also enjoyed the rhythm and bustle of the street lights and signs.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I love the vibrancy of the rainbow at the break wall and had been taking photos for painting studies, but when a group started walking towards the tower in a parade of brightly colored suits, I knew I’d found my painting. Serendipity!

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

What drew me to paint this scene were the contrasts in it. The vast, and tranquil blue sky next to a busy, soaring, condominium, and the shadow play between the shady rocks and glow of the water.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

Bright red umbrellas are every

painter’s favorite, but what drew me to this scene were the light, energy, and general chaos going on, all set against a tranquil sky.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

So many elements drew me to this scene; the vibrant blue awning, the shiny bottles and glasses in the shade, the twinkly mosaic, and the gentleman at the bar, whose shirt perfectly harmonized with the scene. So fun to paint!

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

The vibrant cacophony in this store is a delight. No matter where you look, there is something to paint and I have at least six more I want to do, but I was smitten with this sink and its gorgeous textures.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I found all the greens at Gerhard’s pleasingly harmonious, but the “shiny” that caught my eye was their curved windows—so satisfying to paint!

Watercolor
9” x 12”
SOLD

This is café has such a happy vibe and I really wanted to capture the vibrancy of the scene. It’s right next to an equally charming red house and I had to make sure the focus stayed on the lively coffee shop.

Watercolor
10” x 14”
SOLD

The morning sunlight just lit up that whole, beautiful building, even the blacks of what I’m calling the turret. But the doors! The turquoise doors! I couldn’t wait to paint this.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

Looking inside the open window of this Bucktown pub was like peering into a velvet-lined jewelry box full of sparkly things. And the maps reminded me of Montessori landforms from when offspring were little. All the colors made me so happy.
Watercolor
9” x 12”
SOLD

You’re supposed to simplify when you paint a scene, but not this one. It was just too much fun! All the colors and all the things need to be there to communicate the energy under those screaming, pink umbrellas.

Watercolor
9” x 12”
SOLD

This iconic ice cream parlor gets it portrait painted a lot, and with good reason. That famous yellow and red sign demands your full attention, especially at twilight when the neon is coming on. Magic.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

Painted en plein air on a perfect summer day, this Italian Ice stand is a delightful contrast to the formal homes around it.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

Painted en plein air on a very grey and rainy day, I challenged myself to keep the brightness of the flora and the twinkle of the bubbling fountain. Despite the drizzle, the couple on the bench stayed to enjoy the view.

Watercolor on Arches Rough
16” x 12”
SOLD

I’d been wanting to paint this delightful storefront for over a year, but my availability and the lighting I wanted never managed to synch up. I finally just took some photos and worked from home, using all the colors in the “crayon” box. A joy!

Watercolor
10” x 14”
SOLD

This scene at the Harley Clarke Mansion makes me feel as if I’m stepping back in time and I am drawn to all the textures. It’s rich, run-down, rickety, overgrown, and absolutely glorious. I want it to be the setting for a Madeleine story.

Watercolor
10” x 14”
SOLD

This piece is a celebration of primary colors and the contrasting textures between the sculptures and the little girl skipping past. There’s no holding back and the saturation makes me very happy.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

The deep, egg-yolk yellows vibrate and glow throughout this whole piece. I used a limited palette (as few colors as possible) to make sure that summer light stayed consistent throughout the painting.

Watercolor
12 x 16
SOLD

This scene felt like something from a storybook about the pioneer days and I was drawn to how tiny and bright it looked in the big, shady woods.

Watercolor
9” x 12”
SOLD

This scene makes me just want to run down to the beach and oh, how I wish it were like this year round. Glencoe has one of th prettiest roads to the water. The sunshine, stone, roof tiles and deep shade

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I couldn’t wait to paint the riot of flowers and vines next to the contrast of the delicate, wrought iron table and chairs. And the shadows they cast weren’t bad, either. A joy to paint.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

More café chairs, this time in a blazing yellow that then recedes into cool, dark shadows. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of making the perspective and sunlight believable.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

This rich but delicate scene seemed like something straight out of a fairytale and the whimsy of the display was irresistible.

Watercolor
12’ x 16”
SOLD

Besides orange being one of my favorite colors, I couldn’t take my eyes off of the flower-bomb around the windows. It was so exciting to paint some of the most saturated colors I’ve ever seen.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I don’t remember it being this bright when I was on campus, but now it just sparkles with color and detail. It has no bad side and it took me a while to finally make up my mind. Painted plein-air over several days, as the weather wasn’t cooperating.

Watercolor
9” x 12”
SOLD

I’ve spent a lot of time here and I never tire of seeing the sunlight on the bright, primary colors of the boats against the blues of water and sky. Pure summer.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

Nothing says summer like a row of bright, yellow umbrellas in the blazing sun. I had to work fast before someone came out to open them for the evening.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

It had been pouring and when it started to clear, this already idyllic spot took on a delicate glow.

Watercolor
12” x 9”
SOLD

Painted as a demo for a plein air event, this simple scene captures the sunshine of an everyday moment. I enjoyed the challenge of the building as it was mostly just grays and green.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I’d seen this scene thousands of times in my commutes to and from the city, but the lighting this day finally gave me the courage to tackle a complicated subject.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

It’s really hard to pick a scene to paint on Armitage Ave. because the choices are endless. I was drawn to the sunlight on the bright yellow sign, which matched the yellows in the architecture above it, which set off the blues in the trim.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I love everything about this building and the greens of all the trim are great even on a dreary day, but set off by the setting sun, they are spectacular contrast to the brickwork and intricate stonework.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I’ve walked through that red doorway of 57th Street Books many times and have wanted to paint it, but could never find the right composition. The ice cream cart next to it was pure serendipity.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I’d always been to Medici during the day and never really noticed their stained glass. Passing it at dusk stopped me in my tracks, the colors of both the sign and the interior were so lively and inviting that I couldn’t resist.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

The Cobalt blues took center stage in this Hyde Park favorite.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

Tranquil, afternoon sunlight made created a warm, glowing contrast to the cool shade in the foreground. And who can resist a bold, striped umbrella?

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I was both excited and hesitant to paint this well-known corner. The colors are a riot, but the design is complicated and the paint on it, flat. What pulled it together for me was the harmony of the yellow traffic sign nearby.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

It’s actually a scene of early spring in Chicago—Promontory Point in Hyde Park—but the color of the lake contrasted against the deep green pine make it an exact replica of a typical scene in Capri, Italy.

Watercolor
12’ x 16”
SOLD

Even though the bakery has sadly closed, their sign shines on. I could not resist the sparkle of colors in the bright, spring sunshine.

Watercolor
12’ x 16”
SOLD

Painted en plein air in challenging conditions where the weather was, well, everything, I was drawn to the deeply saturated terracotta of the stations’ brickwork and how it contrasted against the spring greens as well as the modern architecture around it.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

Andersonville in the sunshine is spectacular and I could not resist the vintage, sparkling, Swedish fish of Simon’s bar.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

Painted en plein air on an outing with the Plein Air Painters of Chicago, I was captivated by the contrasts of stone and copper throughout this historical landmark.

Watercolor
12” x 9”
Available

The grittiness of the boat yard combined with golden light made for the perfect Chicago scene.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

The windows of this building are some of the most unique I’ve seen, as if this building was transported from another country. It just glitters.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

A gorgeous, classical home lit by the 24 hr. liquor store next door. The colorplay and contrasts were amazing.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I’d never painted at Graceland Cemetery before—big mistake. It is a microcosm of fascinating architecture and breathtaking scenery. I very much enjoyed capturing this explosion of contrasts and color.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

It was really difficult to choose what to paint at the Lincoln Park Green City market, but I settled on this scene because it had the most concentrated array of colors and contrasts. My focus was very much the vibrancy of the day.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

It’s really hard to choose one thing to paint in Pilsen, but this tile and those colors demanded my attention.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

A gorgeous fall day in Lincoln Square, outside of Cafe Selmarie. I couldn’t take my eyes off the glowing umbrellas and the screaming, red flowers.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I couldn’t resist the rich colors of rusting ironwork, safety-yellow paint, and the bold strokes of graffiti. A scene at the intersection of Hubbard and Des Plaines.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

Standing across the street from this neighborhood landmark, you can’t help but be in awe of the architecture. I used multiple watercolor techniques to capture and suggest the myriad of details in the building. The theater is located on Milwaukee Avenue, at the heart of Six Corners.

Watercolor
14” x 20”
SOLD

A family diner with a vintage vibe is famous on this stretch of Higgins Avenue. It’s been a hang-out and a go-to place for countless families in the Jefferson Park neighborhood. The sign is a little run down, but rich in personality and texture.

Watercolor
14” x 20”
SOLD

I have been going to this bakery my whole life and could not resist the beautiful afternoon sun setting off the vibrant, red sign against that blue sky.

Watercolor
14” x 20”
SOLD

On campus at NU, the Gothic style of the library makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. A sunny view of the southwest tower, painted en plein air.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

Watercolor awarded an Honorable Mention at the Evanston Plein Air Fest.
12” x 16”
SOLD

An irresistible window display with a gorgeous orange dress as the star, along with golden light to make everything glow.

Watercolor was painted at the Evanston Plein Air Fest.
12’ x 16”
SOLD

While on a paint-out in Bucktown with the Plein Air Painters of Chicago, I was stopped dead in my tracks by this luminescent door to a garden beyond. The colors practically painted themselves.

Watercolor
12’ x 16”
SOLD

The hot pink of the tent and the lively line of customers was a delightful scene at the Portage Park Farmers Market this summer. Painted en plein air—in the shade—I had to work fast as the watercolors dried as soon as they hit the paper.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

Painted en plein air on a chilly, Spring morning, this was a fantastic exercise in capturing the grittiness of Chicago steelwork and the fleeting reflections on the Chicago River.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

You could not ask for a better nocturne subject than the Apple Store lit up at night, on the banks of the Chicago River. Painted en plein air with some very big brushes.

Watercolor
21” x 15”
SOLD

Palette knife work isn’t often used in watercolor, but it captured the delicate trees at Caldwell Woods perfectly on this late Spring day.

Watercolor
21” x 15”
SOLD

I grew up seeing this dry cleaner’s sign just blocks from my house, but never appreciated it’s appeal until I got back into painting. So much fun to paint, with a color palette reminiscent of the 50’s and 60’s.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

Watercolor is the perfect medium to capture the magic of colorful, reflected lights on wet pavement, transforming a dreary winter scene into something fantastic.

Watercolor
20” x 14”
SOLD

I had not planned this painting and it is truly a case of “beauty is where you find it”. I was stopped dead in my tracks by the bright colors, strong contrasts, and wonderful textures of such a bright, sunny day.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

Winter sunset is intense and very brief, and it made the Copernicus Center come alive. The contrast between the brooding, evening sky and the brightly lit architecture made for a compelling portrait, painted with big brushes and loose strokes.

Watercolor
12” x 16”
SOLD

I spent my childhood taking piano lessons from the Berning School of Music on Milwaukee Ave. and always walked past this intersection, but never appreciated the colors as I did on a snowy evening this past winter.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

This tiny, fairytale-like house has captured my imagination since I was little. I couldn’t resist painting it at twilight, with the glow of warm lights coming from within. Located on Goodman, right at Central as it turns.

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

A capture of my humble alley, during the stillness of a frigid, January evening. Painted using the wet-on-wet watercolor technique to render the nuan

Watercolor
16” x 12”
SOLD

Watercolor
12” x 16”
Available

Watercolor
14” x 20”
SOLD

Watercolor
20” x 14”
SOLD

Watercolor — 15” x 11”
SOLD
Prints are available