ARTIST'S STATEMENT

Like many children I loved to draw and paint. I remember when my childhood interest grew into wanting to be an artist. During a visit to the school library in fifth grade, I checked out a book of collections of Charles Schultz' comic strip, Peanuts, with plans for drawing them. I drew so many of the comic strips and even took "orders" for some in school.

As a child I took two years of painting instruction from the nuns at the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary at the Fruit Hill Center in North Providence, RI, two sessions of ceramics and painting with Professor Gino Conti and two Saturday morning classes at RISD. I learned piano from Earnest Falciglia, the music director for the Providence School System.

In addition to Charles Schultz and Snoopy, I have been fortunate to have had other creative influences in my life including my Uncle, Johnny Spagnolo, a commercial artist for the State of Rhode Island. His ability to draw anything had tremendous influence on my desire to be an artist. Also, my grandmother, Mary DaPonte, despite having arthritis, crocheted almost every day. She made beautiful blankets, decorative chickens, snowmen, dolls clothes, etc. Most of what she created were her own designs.

More recently, Eileen Shanley, a friend and accomplished local artist, opened my eyes to "Call for Artist" shows. Since learning about these types of shows and more, I have painted regularly. I have taken a few classes at the Newport Art Museum School including introduction to oils with Peter Dickison.

Much of what I have learned has come from observation and reading. I have always observed colors, perspective and details of everything around me. Now, my main focus is on color. I am fascinated by color and believe I am on a lifelong journey trying to understand and discover it.

6 Colony Drive, Middletown, RI 02842; 401-619-0447, 401-207-0714; fineart714@rocketmail.com