I’m fortunate to have had a childhood laced with Art:  a mother and brother who were painters, a home where simple crayon drawings were appreciated, free Saturday afternoon drawing classes at the Carnegie Museum, and daily paths through the museum to escape Pittsburgh winters as I walked home from school .  Admittedly, I’m visual by nature.  Thus, I majored in Art in college, benefitted from many perspicacious teachers as an adult, and relished “avocation” time in my studio. I find images and nature absolutely magical!!  Particularly in stressful times, viewing and painting paintings is my balm.