I studied at Messiah College in Pennsylvania where I earned my BA in Art, but with a concentration in Graphic Design.  I regret that decision.  I am a painter, and working with a computer is nothing like working with the raw materials of paint, brushes and paper. So, shortly after graduating I returned to my watercolors, but a whole new style and intensity had emerged within my work and suddenly my paintings were looking more like photographs.  I loved painting flowers, but because my work was photo-realistic, there was very little of my heart, my experiences and my faith integrated in; they were mirror images of the photographs from which I painted.  I wanted more from my gift than pretty paintings that looked like photographs, so I entered a season of praying for God to use my gift and fill my work with purpose.  His answer came through the words of renowned artist Ron DiCianni who asked, “What makes you weep when you are on your knees before God? That is what you are supposed to address in your work!” As soon as I read those words God filled my creative spirit with inspiration; inspiration to paint people.  The problem was that I had been intentionally avoiding portraits because of the difficulty of the subject matter coupled with my photorealistic style in watercolors.  Watercolor is the most unforgiving of mediums and I knew if I made a mistake, there would be no changing it.  Nonetheless, the call of God is powerful, compelling and inspiring and so I embarked on a journey of trust and obedience.  As I kept failing in my efforts I found myself continually praying, “Lord, I cannot do this on my own; I need You to be the artist and simply use me as Your paintbrush.”  As challenging as it was, God not only enabled me to fulfill His call to paint people, but He traded my dread for passion.