As I enter a new season of artistic expression, I observe that art has always been in the foreground of my life.  Whether as an artist, teaching art to children or discussing great artists, I’ve enjoyed a life appreciating and trying to emulate the great artists. Having homeschooled my children, I’ve had the privilege of directing Challenge ll and leading conversations on the influence of Christianity on Western Culture. Christ pivoted the world for eternity and his power is reflected in our history. Painting Your Way Through Art History provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on an artist’s life and cultural influences while learning a myriad of art techniques. I’m excited to join the Delightful Art team this year and paint my way through the timeline of history with you. 

Prior to homeschooling, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology and a Master of Social Work with a concentration in school social work. I worked with children and adolescents in a therapeutic day school and in specialized foster care. I’ve also managed several pregnancy centers in the city of Chicago. Most recently, I am in the middle of pursuing a Master of Arts in Classical Education. Learning, like creativity, is inherent in our being. Classical education has awakened the love of learning in me. Now I get to apply the Trivium to painting!

These days, when I’m not homeschooling or painting, I love reading great books. I’ve discovered there are so many great classic books and so little time. This summer, my daughter and I worked our way through the audio of Anna Karenina. We look forward to watching the movie and critiquing all the ways the movie falls short. The book is always better than the movie, right? For exercise, I enjoy walking in the neighborhood with my neighbor and doing a television stretch class with my husband. Our family enjoys playing a card game called Euchre that originated in Canada and the Midwest, but mostly we love popcorn and a good movie at home. Let me know if you have any good recommendations!