Artistry has been a part of my life since I was old enough to hold a pencil. My father, Chester M. Childs, was an artist who studied at the Chicago Art Institute. His lifelong direction and encouragement helped me to see things as they really are and to capture it all on canvas. “Paint what you see,” he would often say. Together, we entered local art shows and shared a bond of creativity that I will forever cherish. I find true peace and relaxation when I am painting and feel the stresses of the day melt away. Dad died in 2001 but I continue to feel his presence when I paint, maybe that’s why I love it.
Over the years, I have enjoyed painting with acrylics, watercolor, gouache, pastels plus pen and ink. Thus, continuing my art studies at the Galena School of Art, Batavia Art Guild, DuPage Art League and The Fine Line Creative Art Center in St. Charles. Learning new techniques in workshops led by Pastelist, Anne Von Ehr; Watercolorists, Tom Lynch, Thomas Trausch, Robert Krajecki and Kimberly Malarkey.
My artwork, currently on display at Gallery 200 in West Chicago and St. John Neumann Catholic Church in St. Charles., has also been displayed at the Wildrose Springs Art Gallery in Wayne, Norris Art Center, Bloomingdale Art Museum, Campbell House Gallery, Art in Your Eye City Hall Exhibit, Yorkville Old Courthouse, Villa Verone Restaurant in Geneva, Total Living Network Christian Television Studio in Plainfield, proudly on the cover of the book, “Dear Friends”, written by Monsignor, Fr. Bob Hoffman; also in numerous private collections throughout the United States and Canada.
I reside in West Chicago with my wonderful husband, Ed, my biggest fan and art critic. Our three children are grown and have blessed us with seven beautiful grandchildren and three great-grand sons. Retirement allows me more time to paint and teach. God has blessed me with the gift of artistry, therefore I feel the need to share my art with others. Hopefully, it brings you as much enjoyment as it has for me.