I began drawing at the age of 7 years old. I was infatuated with faces and began doing charcoal and pencil portraits. Color was new to me and I was afraid of it. So, As I evolved, I began painting at thirteen taking drawing and painting classes in high school.

Moving around with my family was difficult, but I knew I could always carry my paint, canvas and easel wherever I went. I took piano lessons for 13 years and quit playing because of moving so much.

As the years went by in 1991 I became divorced, moved back to Baton Rouge, and for the first time in my life, I had nothing to relate to. I realized how much I loved the old south and I wanted to become part of it - wanting to live back then. Then I thought about it and realized that I could take short trips down the Mississippi River Road road and take photographs with a camera with my father gave to me as a present.

I would stop at old houses along the river and take pictures. I would ask permission at each old house. Some of the old houses were falling down - there are many stories of the River Road and I brought myself into the deep path of history. It was so intriguing to see how people lived back in the 1800's. There were many plantation homes where I shot my photographs - some were broken down and others kept alive.

All of a sudden realized that I wanted to paint again. I tried florals, still lifes', abstract, realism and painted until I didn't know where I fit in in the art world. Confusion as to what my inner style was, I had no idea. I was frustrated that I couldn't find it.

One day, a man in my neighborhood, came to install a piece of equipment in my home. He noticed that I painted and asked me if I would be willing to show my work at a gallery in Covington, Louisiana. I sent 5 originals to the gallery owner for approval. He did not approve of any, so I remembered, my adventures along the River Road and began to paint shacks, beautiful wrought iron fences, plantations, and oak trees that had been standing for a century. I finally got accepted with these paintings.

Painting then became my life and I realized this was my calling. I continued to paint and started out with small 8 x 10" paintings. As time went by I graduated to larger pieces.

I sometimes have dry spells and to help cope, I have a list of quotes, from Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet. I have them taped to my studio walls to remind me of them. Reading about Van Gogh and Monet, I found they also had dry spells and misfortunes and I took the advice they gave me through their quotes.

I moved to the woods, then the swamp, and this is where I got my subject matter. I continued with my dog to travel to many parts of Louisiana and Mississippi painting beautiful scenery. I also like paint "plein air" (outside), although it is difficult for me.

This is the year 2010 and I am still producing. My desire for painting gets deeper and deeper. I mostly use bright colors, but some people like my dark and moody ones.

I hope I have made the people happy that have purchased my paintings. It is nice to know that the paintings will be around for many many years.

My motto became "I live in the past through my paintings".

Foret