Native American Batik

 Native American Batik

High School 2003

1st place Winner- Fabric Crafts

North Carolina Woman's Club 

& 

Manteo High School Annual Art Exibit

A Batik is a craft in which wax any dyes are used on linens & silk to create depth and designs. For this project we had to study as assigned Native American Tribe. We also had to incorporate the photo of an actual Native American that was printed on linen and then stitched on. Every detail on this piece has a meaning behind it for the depicted tribe. Prior to studying we had a brief tutorial on hand stitching. I haven't done a quilt since this project- but hope to pick it up again someday.

Early Work

The Apple Tree - Acrylic on Canvas 1991

I completed this piece at the age of six. I loved painting with my dad and every time he painted I wanted to also, so I guess he gave me this canvas and this is what I came up with. I love it! I'm so thankful my parents saved this and so many of my childhood works. Its so fun to look back on.

The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island

The Elizabethan Gardens on
Roanoke Island

Acrylic on Canvas

I love my island, it's so beautiful & rich with history. It inspires every painting I do. This particular painting I completed in high school was a study of impressionism. I chose the little girl statue from the Elizabethan Gardens, which has since been replaced from its original position by the incredible Queen Elizabeth statue. But don't worry, I believe she can still be found in another area of the gardens, as well as copies in the gift shop. I tell you what- it is tiring to do the tiny marks that make up an impressionist painting.

A mothers day gift.
Acrylic on Canvas both

I hope my mom enjoys paintings because I've given her a lot over the years. These are just two I've given her. She loves gardens, cottages, and animals. One of her favorite artist is Tasha Tudor, best known for her whimsical illustrations seen in her children's books. They often depicted scenes of animals and flowers, which is where I got the inspiration for these two paintings. My mother was a big reason why I agreed to do the illustrations for "Sixteen Sandpipers an Outer Banks Counting Book". There where just so many nights we read books before bedtime, you might say it was my first exposure to art. To this day I always pick up and glace at the wonderful artist that bring the stories to life in children's books.

Some Old Works... Self Portraits

 Good ole Self Portraits!!!


I was forced... kicking and screaming... to complete this self portrait in a drawing class at COA. So whats the big deal you ask???? Its on a 4'x8' sheet of luan board. I forgot how long it took to do, but it seemed like I had to stare at myself for a long, long time. I learned a lot- but I still don't understand why a self portrait. I could imagine plenty of other decent faces I wouldn't have mind having on a 8' tall board. Like Johnny Depp, or Brad Pitt, I mean I could have at least enjoyed studying bone structure, alignment and proportions much more! I did learn a lot doing this project and the instructor was one of my favorites.

Black Latex Paint for all the dark areas
followed by a whole lot of Pencil & Charcoal

This piece now is installed in my dads garage on his ceiling. Talk about keeping an eye on things!

Yeaaaa... another portrait!

Ok- so I had more fun with this one. For one thing it's a lot smaller.

Heritage Portrait - Acrylic on Canvas

I can't remember exactly what the instructor wanted but I think we had to paint ourselves as something else. I chose my Native American heritage with an Outer Banks Setting. The portrait was taken from my high school senior portrait. I was already really tan since it was taken at the end of summer- so I just enhanced the look with a buckskin outfit, beaded necklace and feather adorned hair pieces.

Some Old Works...

Me & My Dog Blue - Acrylic on Canvas

Completed in High School 

Between 2000-2003

The Impressionist Project

My Sleepy Babe - Acrylic on Wood
The Impressionist Project
date unknown High School 2000 to 2003?


Check out the paint used up in this painting, good thing it's a small little plaque.

 See the actual photo that I used to paint from. It's of my Cocker Spaniel Babe when she was just a little sleepy pup. Also a discription of the project requirements my instructor Robin York required. What a fun project this was. It was like sculpting with wet gooey paint- takes more patients than you think.

Some Old Works...

2004 Sunrise over Hatteras - Acrylic on Canvas

I completed this painting just after the Marlin (Dinner Special) in a painting class at COA. I was really becoming familiar with the different shades of blue, also this was my first night/sunrise painting. I was studying perspective, with the silhouette of the sea oats in the foreground, the feeling of the towering Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the glimpse of the morning sun peeking up from the horizon. I was also careful about the placement of the light on the lighthouse to emphasis the rounded tapered shape by shadowing the back & lighting the side closest to the rising sun. This really is one of my favorite paintings I've ever done, right down to the narrow shape of the canvas.