Born in Hollywood, California Theresa knew she wanted to be an artist at six years old. “I remember telling my teachers how to color and draw, stating matter of factly that I am going to be an artist when I grow up." Formal studies began at the University of Hawaii., University of Utah. "I have always believed that art should speak to everyone. Capturing a place in time, an event or moment and infusing it with emotion... are my highest priorities. To draw the viewer into this impressionistic world of realism I tell the story through shapes of color and light expressed with brushwork and a solid design. The subject matter is unimportant...it is a subtle mixture of mystery, longing, light, beauty and a bit of unreachability that gives me the emotional reaction that in turn inspires me to paint. I strive for a mix of realism and looseness I find emotionally and visually satisfying" She is influenced by Sargent, Sorrolla, Zorn and current artists Richard Schmid, Dan Gerhartz and Jeremy Lipking. Always eager to improve she has attended workshops with several local artists and received scholarships to Scottsdale Artists' School twice in the last three years. She continues to strive towards excellence and has lived in the Missouri/Kansas area for the past 17 years. She is a member of Oil Painters Of America. She dabbles in photography, gives workshops and is a member of Artists Who Teach.
Selected juried entries, exhibitions and awards include: Midwest Gathering of Artists, St. Avips Silent Auction, Ball and Exhibition, Capital Building Exhibition at Jefferson City, Scottsdale Artists School Scholarship 2004 and 2006.
Ozark Artists Alliance at John Brown University, “Best of Show” 2008
Artists of Northwest Arkansas Fall Regional Competition "Best in Oil"
The Thomas Hart Benton Exhibition and Juried Competition, "Best of Show" 2006 and 2007
The Thomas Hart Benton Exhibition and Juried Competition, "Artists' Choice"
The Richard Schmid Fine Art Auction "High Seller", 2005, 2006 and 2007
Scottsdale Artist School "Best and Brightest" Invitation and Juried Competition
The National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society "Best Landscape"2005
The 20th Annual Bosque Conservatory Art Classic. 2005 and 2006
Academic Artists Assoc. 56th Annual Juried Exhibit 2006
Museum of the Southwest Peoples Choice and Honorable Mention 2006
Artists of Northwest Arkansas Second Place 2003 and 2004
Her work is available through personal contact and at Cherrys' Gallery in Carthage Missouri
