Self Portrait in Venice

Acrylic, 22" x 28"

 I’m a Texas artist and a versatile painter. I paint landscapes, florals, figurative, wildlife and architectural scenes in both oil and acrylic.

Interests in birding and photography have enriched my life and love for painting. As a result my current work focuses on conservation and wildlife. I often visit National Wildlife and Bird refuges throughout Texas which gives me a great appreciation of life and the importance of preserving our beautiful land, our refuge.

I was born in the small west Texas town of Hale Center and moved to Fort Worth at age five. I became interested in art in high school, and went on to receive a B.A degree in Commercial Art from University of North Texas. I pursued a career in graphic arts until 1971 when I married C. A. Quarles and decided to become a full time mother. I have raised two wonderful children.

My education and career in graphic art has had a positive influence on my work as a fine artist. Though largely self-taught, I have studied under Texas artists Bror Utter, Dennis Blagg, Ron Crouch, Bruce Peil and Ann Ekstrom.

I have had paintings accepted in juried national shows including NOAPS, AWA and Graham Art Splash on the Square National Show. I have also exhibited in juried regional shows such as Fort Worth’s Art in the Metroplex, Preservation is the Art of the City shows, Texas Artists Coalition member shows, and Texas and Neighbors Regional Art Exhibition. In 2006, I had a solo show at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center. My paintings have won several awards including Best of Show at the 2014 National Wildlife and Domestic Animal Show in Irving and at the 2016 Lake Granbury Art Association Open Show.

My photographs have been exhibited in the 2016 International Berlin Foto Biennale, in regional juried shows such as Art in the Metroplex, Texas Artists Coalition member shows and Fort Worth’s Art in the Garden. I won third place in the 2014 The Image as Art photo contest sponsored by the Arlington Museum of Art.

I am a former member of the Texas Artists Coalition, a signature member of the Texas & Neighbors Regional Art Exhibition, an associate member of OPA, AIS and NOAPS, and an associate member with distinction of AWA.