My interest in art was sparked in high 
school by a very dedicated art teacher 
who steered me toward oil painting. After 
graduation, I dedicated myself to marriage            
and raising three children. After receiving 
a gift certificate to the Kalamazoo Institute 
of Arts, I attended a beginning oil painting 
class and completed several oil paintings. 
Our family owned business added art 
supplies to the inventory, which sparked a 
renewed interest in the creative process. 
My earlier experience, at the Art Institute, 
prompted me to take a beginning 
watercolor class taught by nationally 
known watercolorist, Denise Lisiecki. 

The first class included a slide demonstration 
showing works by nationally recognized 
watercolorists. After class, I went to the 
office and requested my money back as I 
felt I would not be able to ever achieve 
close to such wonderful work. Denise 
Lisiecki overheard my refund request and 
convinced me to persevere. (Continue)