Who are you and what do you do?
I am a follower of Jesus, clothed as an artist, working in pastels and now oils. A member of the Arizona Pastel Artists Assoc. and Pastel Society of America. I also work at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. I am in a ministry to women in crises. And I’m married to Larry Ortega. We have two adult children and six beautiful grandkids.
How did you get your start?
My sixth grade teacher believed my art was good enough to enter it into the Laguna Beach Art Festival’s Children’s Exhibit. An she also entered it into Chapman College children’s art exhibit in Orange County. I finished my formal art education at Cal State Fullerton.
What inspires you?
I am awe struck at the dance of sunlight on an object. I am inspired by other artists of all mediums. And the human spirit is inspiring and emotionally captivating.
What do you like about AZ?
I love Arizona! Coming here from Hawaii in 1980 it took about 3 years to get acclimated, but the beauty of the desert slowly came into focus. The desert is stunning. And I witness the most beautiful sunsets from my porch. Where else can you travel from the desert to ponderosa pine forest in an hour and 30 minutes? Arizona is truly the land of enchantment!
Where can we see your work?
I am in group shows two and sometimes three times a year with the Arizona Pastel Artists Assoc. I just got back from the Bisbee Plein Air Festival, where I was one of the two judges. I sold my plain air piece on display there. You can also see my art on my website.
What would you like to accomplish before you die?
My desire is to transition my painting style from a representational to more abstract. I also have a short bucket list and hope to accomplish that.
What is your mantra?
Observe the beauty around me each day, love people, love God.
