In Denise's Formal Portraits, she can really delve into the personality and essence of the sitter. A portrait to Denise, is not just capturing a good likeness, it is also about speaking to the viewer and conveying who this person is and what they are like. Those are the portraits she is most drawn to. When they stop you in your tracks and make you wonder, who is this person?

In Denise's Formal Portraits, she can really delve into the personality and essence of the sitter. A portrait to Denise, is not just capturing a good likeness, it is also about speaking to the viewer and conveying who this person is and what they are like. Those are the portraits she is most drawn to. When they stop you in your tracks and make you wonder, who is this person?

Denise's Informal Beach Portraits capture those precious moments of childhood that seem so fleeting. Those "moments in time" are what Denise endeavors to create for her clients to treasure now & for generations to come. Denise's heirloom paintings are inspired by one of her favorite artists, Frank Benson. Benson's sunlit paintings of his children by the shore, hearken back to a simpler, more carefree time—which is what childhood should be all about. Whether the children are collecting shells, running from the waves or playing with sand toys, Denise captures those moments on canvas to enjoy forever.

Denise's Informal Garden Portraits capture children in a lush garden or park setting. These beautiful locations are a perfect backdrop to create an heirloom painting of her clients' children frolicking among the flowers or exploring the different sights to behold.

Denise's love for animals is evident in her beautiful pet portraits. She is able to capture the individuality of her sitters as she would their human counterparts . Denise feels that pets are our family . They bring  joy & happiness to our lives everyday . Why not capture your beloved companion in an original painting as a tribute to your loyal friend.

   Denise has been involved in many charity events throughout the years. At each charity she donates an original portrait of the highest bidder's pet . This item is very popular at all the charities events she has participated in .

Denise also enjoys painting figurative pieces. She finds these paintings create a very pensive, thought evoking mood. Denise will get inspired by a piece of clothing or setting & then hire a model to interpret her vision. In these paintings she enjoys being a little more experimental with her technique & design.

Denise tries to get out & paint plein air as much as possible . The fleeting light & being in nature gives these paintings, she feels, a real sense of honesty . Sometimes working from photographs is a necessity. When Denise does work from photographs she makes notes as to the feel of the day, the light & what she's experiencing at the moment to aid in the representation when she goes to paint. Little pencil studies help with values & design .

Painting still lifes & flowers are a great diversion from Denise's portrait work. She escapes into the ephemeral world of floral painting. The ever changing miracles of nature are both challenging & rewarding to paint. Denise loves to collect antiques, especially teacups. Her collection is quite extensive. Each one has a special meaning & she tries to incorporate them into her floral & still life paintings as beautiful design elements.

Denise tries to capture a mood when painting interiors. The challenge of perspective & light are what makes the painting successful. She painted her bedroom in all 4 seasons & enjoyed capturing the different light & individuality of each season reflecting into the room.