has always been a big part of my life.

When I was very little, I was given paper and crayons to entertain myself on many rainy afternoons, and that started my journey down the creative path I'm on today. I love to create one-of-a-kind... bold, intriguing and colorful illustrations. I am an illustrator with varied talents, and work in many different styles and mediums...ranging from whimsical to dramatic.

My passion...is drawing and painting, and "any day in my studio is a great day."  I work in pastels, watercolors, digitals, pen and ink or colored pencils. I love adding zany, irreverent quotes and women inspired twists to my designs...that includes...zoftig ladies with attitude...my furry friends, and of course...chocolate and bling. I live, work and garden in Portland, Oregon... with my sister, her husband, our 90 year old father...and my furry feline muses...Tallulah and Faux Pas..

I have always had a studio of some kind... whether it's a spare room or a space in my old basement. For me...all I need is a place where I can go and create...make messes, do experiments...even throw paint. I built a 'real' studio in 2002...that I share with my sister...and I love every minute spent there. A lot of my time lately has been devoted to the drawings that become the digital stamps for our company Shirleys2Girls... shirleys2girls.com We are an on-line company that began in 2008. I have also been experimenting with creating a doll...using some of my drawings for inspiration.   It's been great fun seeing one of my 'ladies'...come to life.

When I am working on a project for a client...after I know all the details...I spend time letting different concepts run through my mind. Lots of times this means a walk through some fun stores, museums, or galleries... or spending time devouring fashion magazines.   I also have my favorite artists that I refer to for inspiration. Matisse's use of colors, Klimt's knowledge of figures and lavish attention to detail, and Gauguin's wild approach to his subjects. They are all awe inspiring for me. I usually get an idea when I least expect it...so when the 'light bulb' goes off...I'm ready to begin. I sketch and sketch and sketch...(hence the reason I buy tracing paper in bulk). I always begin with a pencil and it evolves from there.   My favorite part of the process...is everything... from the beginning to the end.