I was born in New York City ,NY and raised in Long Island, New York. I currently live in Milford, CT. As a teenager I traveled to Europe with students and visited France, Italy, Germany, Spain and The United Kingdom. France had the greatest influence on me. I visited the the Impressionists in Paris, and this exhibition overwhelmed me. The gallery was filled to the brim with artworks. The Haystack series of paintings were hung from floor to ceiling, you had to bend in half to see those on the bottom and stretch upon your toes to see the works at the top. Degas bronze ballerina sculptures had no bases and you stood directly next to them on the floor. The exhibit was incredible.and still gives me inspiration. to this day. I have chosen oil as my medium as it is lush and delicious to use. Colors stay vibrant and slide along the surface. It is a great experience to paint with them.