I grew up on a river in Iowa with a mother who was both an artist and a poet and a father with whom I spent much cherished time in nature. Through the influence of these nurturing parents I learned to embrace, appreciate and protect all aspects of nature. I also use various mediums to capture, replicate and preserve the colors, texture and the beauty of the flora and fauna, which I love.

When my husband and I moved to Tucson I fell in love with the desert. The unique Sonoran Desert environment intensified my interest in both Nature and Art. I began a course of study at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum Art Institute where I received my "Certification in Nature Illustrations". I am a member of the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild and I am cofounder of the Starr Pass Art League.

I began my artistic interests drawing in Graphite, Pen and Ink, and Colored Pencil but I now do a lot of my work in Watercolor, Acrylic, and on Scratchboard, Mylar and on wood Cradleboard. Although I do like painting most subjects, I seem to gravitate to flowers and birds.

We live in southwest France from April to October. This area is an "Artists' Heaven". Everywhere I look I see things I want to paint. The lush landscape is beautiful; farm fields, vineyards, rolling hills, cliffs and rivers are the norm. Narrow roads wind through the woods taking you to picturesque sandstone villages and ancient bastide towns perched atop hills; here market days are always a special treat. There are Chateaux around every corner, and rivers that run through the entire scene. I am continually inspired.

Many of my pieces have been in juried art shows. Two were published in the Arizona Game and Fish magazine. "Wildlife Views", a Colored Pencil/Watercolor piece on Mylar. "Field of Flowers" was acquired by the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum Art Institute for their Permanent Collection. Another piece, "Give a Hoot" protect our wildlife, is a Scratchboard of an owl which is also in their Permanent Collection. Much of my art now resides in private collections.

I do offer my Originals, as well as Giclees for sale. I am also available for commissions.

To purchase my work or request information, you may contact me at lep918@gmail.com