Where do you live?
Painting for me is an expression of memories and past experiences. I grew up in RI and spent my summers at our beach house on Great Island. After college at UVM, I attended graduate school in Nebraska, worked in Minnesota as a Speech/Language Pathologist, finally returning to RI. My husband and I settled in Wickford and spent 35 years in the village community.
How long have you been a member?
I am a past board member of the WAA and currently a Juried Artist member of WAA and a member of South County Art Association.
Do you currently volunteer?
I have worked behind the scenes of the Wickford Art Festival for 15+ years and continue to be a part of several volunteer committees.
How would you describe your artwork?
My artwork reflects images of years watching the water, participating in many water sports, and travels throughout the Caribbean and Europe. Our family is scattered throughout the Midwest and west coast which has allowed me to visit many national parks, mountains and the Pacific Coast, all of which has given me inspiration for creating my paintings.
What has influenced your artistic journey and inspiration?
I must credit my family of artists—my mom, Doris Pearson, who was a member of WAA, RI Watercolor Society and exhibited in numerous shows throughout New England; my uncle Walter Youngberg, a designer for Gorham silver and RISD graduate, my cousin Deborah Lindsey, a freelance artist and WAA member and festival exhibitor; and my grandfather, Erik Youngberg, an oil painter, jewelry designer, woodworker, and tool and die maker and silversmith who taught me as a little girl to appreciate the artistry in a variety of mediums.
Can you tell us about your artistic background and preferred medium?
My artistic training includes adult extension classes at RISD, classes at a gallery in East Greenwich, and instruction from artist Cindy Baron. I have been fortunate to take classes with several talented local artists including Theresa Girard, Natalie Pfanstahl, Lorraine Bromley, Lori Jeremiah, Michael Domina and Liz McGee. I have also attended workshops on design, card and paper making, collage, acrylic and tole painting. I continue to attend local workshops and classes and love expanding my knowledge of the artistic process. I have experimented with a variety of mediums but have gravitated to watercolor as I enjoy watching a painting create itself through the use of flowing color and water.
Where have you exhibited your artwork?
I have had exhibits in juried shows at WAA, South County Art Association, invitational shows at both SCAA and WAA and shown my work at local libraries, South County Wellness Center, Beach Rose Cafe and the Guild in South Kingstown.