, Artist's Statement

 I am inspired by the natural world. 
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My interests include scientific illustration and  abstracted imagery.   
Most all of my inspiration comes from what I have seen and
experienced while exploring the woods and waters around me.  I use traditional materials and processes that I was trained in, such as  pen
and ink , oil paint and clay.  I also have experimented with mixing media.
  You will find this approach in my watercolors and pencil drawings.  In my
oil paintings,  images are mostly of animals.   I am especially interested in the endangered species that are struggling to exist in Maine.  I strive to create work that first reads as inviting but upon observation, has elements
that indicate that all is not well.   Some paintings and drawings have the subjects veiled in smoke or rising tides.  Others show animals who appear
to be on high alert.  Chick-a-dees tumble in flight and barn owls loose
control of their nightly ritual . This is my way of asking the viewer to honor
the magic in nature while being aware of the  destructive forces of
climate change.   
I share my passion as a maker of images through teaching. I have worked
in public and private education for 32 years.  My students range from
 kindergarten to adult in age, in indoor and outdoor classrooms.  Through observation, questioning and expressing visually our findings, we learn to    appreciate and conserve this rare gift of woods and waters.  


  "I believe strongly that through the experience of, 
 and the understanding of the environment, 
 art can teach us to protect and defend it in
the hope of preserving it for future generations."

Jacqueline Johnson

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                                                                                 "Last of the Sturgeons" ,             oil on board, 60" x 96"