About the Artist
Artist Statement
When I first tried my hand at oil painting in 1975, all I had was a dream and next to no instruction. I immediately fell in love with the buttery feel of the paint and the rich, deep colors. I also quickly realized I had a LOT to learn. It took many more years - and ultimately a pandemic - before I was able to devote the time and space to truly focus on my art. It is that devotion that launched my art career and opened the door to calling myself an artist.
Over the years I have had meaningful learning experiences with nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and teachers, including Mark Carder, Abbey Ryan, Dawn Whitelaw, Adam Clague and Carl Bretzke, to name a few. All have helped to feed my insatiable curiosity to learn more and especially to learn important technical aspects about painting, such as drawing in proportion, choosing the right composition and paying close attention to values, edges and color. Also woven into the teaching, and equally as important, has been the lesson of listening to my own voice and painting what speaks to me as an artist.
As an artist who paints realism, my goal is to portray real life subject matter just as it is. I am particularly drawn to how shadows give form to shapes, making a painting look three dimensional or tromp l’oeil. I strive to paint daily so that I can stay grounded in my work and continue to learn and grow as an artist.
In 2023 I had the opportunity to design and build the studio of my dreams. Much to my surprise and delight, my studio was awarded the National Association of Home Builders prestigious GOLD prize at the 40th annual Best in American Living Awards in Las Vegas. My studio is my place of peaceful refuge and often where my inspiration is born. I am most content when I am at my easel capturing quiet moments of ocean sunsets and soft marsh grasses, rolling hills and scenic landscapes, still life studies of flowers and fruit, and sentimental portraits of people and pets.
Exhibitions, Shows and Awards
2025 Fine Art League of Cary 100 Tiny Gems Exhibition
2025 PleinAir Salon Art Competition
2024 Pro’s Epicurean Exhibition (Juried), Fine Art League of Cary
2024 Chatham Artist Guild SMELT Gallery Exhibit
2023 Best in American Living Award from the National Association of Home Builders for my new studio. https://ruftyhomes.com/40th-annual-best-in-american-living-awards/
2023 Fine Art League of Cary Member Show
2022 Fine Art Studio Online BoldBrush Painting Competition FAV15
2022 Mayton Hallways Show
2022 Art Change, Fonville Morrisey, Preston Woods
2022 Smith Island Art League Show
2021 Smith Island Art League Show
Memberships
Oil Painters of America
Portrait Society of America
American Women Artists
Fine Art league, Cary
Chatham Artists Guild
