My artistic journey has been shaped by many remarkable people. It began with Mrs. Hays, my high school art teacher at Eisenhower High School in Decatur, Illinois. I spent four years under her guidance — and nearly every day of my senior year in her art room. I could have graduated early, but chose instead to stay, immersing myself in the art wing where she nurtured my curiosity, discipline, and artistic courage.

The late Gretchen Lopez later reminded me that my creative eye was still alive and strong, even after many years. Kristal Brown opened my world to nocturnal and expressive skies, while Anton Nowels helped me clarify my artistic voice and taught me the power of working with a limited palette.

My mother, Bernadine Medley, has been my lifelong inspiration. Still painting today, she began creating as a child and became the leading commercial renderer in Central Illinois long before computer graphics existed. Some of my earliest memories are of watching her work — my chin resting on her drawing board as she created detailed watercolor interior concept renderings for national chains like Ramada Inn, watching her paint murals, and standing still at four years old as she painted my portrait. Her dedication and precision shaped my own artistic foundation.

And finally, my husband, the steady love of my life, continues to encourage me in the place he knows my heart truly lives — painting. He has been the quiet foundation beneath my life’s journey.