Judy can’t recall a time while growing up that she didn’t have an interest in the arts. If she wasn’t drawing, she would be molding something out clay bought at the local five & dime stores. But it wasn’t until her family was grown that she renewed her interests in the arts with her children’s encouragement. She enrolled in local watercolor classes under Therese Ferguson, a well-know local artist and joined the local watercolor society. It wasn’t long before she began taking a few workshops with nationally known guest artists. Her increased interest, landed her a position as Vice President/Workshop coordinator of Brevard Watercolor Society. This rewarded her with the opportunity to research, meet and contract many wonderful artists from all over the nation. She loved the networking and artist partnership sharing with some of the best talent in the world! All the while, she was learning from the best. She then took on her current position as President of the organization. When her term is finished, she knows there will be other dedicated artists willing to give their time and earn their way while growing as they learn. The society has given her and so many the opportunity to learn and to help educate others along the way.

She is also practicing ‘Plein Air’ currently and enjoying nature and painting outdoors. One thing she has learned through her whole artist journey is to take the time to know what kind of an artist you desire to be. There are many styles, many subjects, many techniques to learn but to feel the freedom of painting from your heart, is the real ‘you’ one is seeking. Let go and paint the way you feel. Some of the artists she has taken workshops with have been John Salminen, Chuck McLaughlin, Soon Y. Warren, Stan Miller, Joel R. Johnson, Frank LaLumia, Janet Rogers, Jane Angelhart, Eric Wiegardt, Anne Abgott, Morgan Samuel Price, Judi Betts, Jean Grastorf, and others. One of the most interesting things leaving a lasting impression early on is in quoting, John Salminen: “Enjoy the Process!”.