Having been a commercial artist for the past fifteen years, I have acquired a vast amount of experience in creating pieces of beauty and interest. Working for the Gift and Toy Industries, it has always been very important to capture the correct mood or the right expression. This has been my stock-in-trade. I am proficient in sculpting for the licensed trade as well as working from detailed designs. Figure and portrait modeling are my specialty, and I am called upon constantly to sculpt accurate portrayals of men, woman and children of every ethnic background, especially African and Native Americans. Religious subject matter is also a passion of mine. I am able to sculpt realistic portraits of people and animals, as well as work on licensed concepts and whimsical characters. I work well from detailed instructions and have no problem with corrections or critiques. Working within strict parameters is often the rule and I take instructions very well.

I am currently in the process of working on a bronze sculpture of my own design.

I use Super Sculpey or Plastiline. From there, the pieces are made into wax and cleaned up. Resin models are available if this is required. Also, I have experience in creating plaster and rubber molds. I am familiar with the production of porcelain, crystal and resin, and the importance of avoiding "under-cuts" whenever possible.

Another great interest and talent of mine is painting in oils, acrylics and watercolors. To paint portraits and be able to capture one's personality and spirit, not just his or her likeness on the surface of the canvas is a great joy! As well, I love painting from life and photos. House portraitures are also very challenging and enjoyable.

In addition, it was my great honor to create and present the 2004 Rhode Island Easter Egg to The First Lady, Laura Bush. It was painted in hues of red and orange to depict a Newport summer's sunset. A Tall Ship was sculpted and placed on the egg to demonstrate RI's long and rich maritime history.

In 1991, and again in 1996, I traveled to France to study portrait and figure modeling at the Vaugel Sculpting School, in the Loire Valley - an intensive study in Portrait and Figure modeling, working from live models. Accuracy and proportion was the main focus. From 2002 to 2004, I have been attending classes in Art History, Oil Painting, Anatomy, Drawing, French, and Architecture at Salve Regina University, in Newport, RI.

My husband and I also own and operate a Bed & Breakfast; The Brattle House, www.brattlehouse.com