Connie is a retired secretary, residing west of Duncannon. A Dauphin County native, she became a transplant to Schuylkill County when she married her husband Bruce. They resided there for 22 years before moving back to Dauphin briefly, and finally settling in Perry County in 2014. Widowed shortly thereafter, but sharing her home now with her German Shepherd Maizee.

Her interest in art started at an early age. A retired art teacher, friend of Connie’s mother, held informal classes on Saturdays. It was the beginning to her artistic development, which later included elective art courses in high school, two Central Dauphin School District’s Adult Education painting workshops, membership in Suburban Art Club (Lower Paxton Township), and a current Member Artist of the Perry County Council of the Arts since 2019.

She has participated in many exhibitions including the State Capitol, the William Penn Museum, several Cumberland County Libraries, the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, and various Perry County Council of the Arts’ Art on Tour locations. Her works are also on display in various galleries and venues throughout Dauphin, Schuylkill, Lebanon, Cumberland and Perry Counties.

Artist Statement

My art consists mainly of oil paintings in a variety of subjects, with my main interests lying in the areas of florals, seascapes, landscapes, sunrises/sunsets, birds in nature, and wildlife.  I also enjoy creating and constructing  unique frames so that they compliment each art piece.

Besides my love of art, I enjoy gardening and architecture.

I am thankful every day for being blessed with artistic ability and a creative mind.  Sitting at my easel and seeing things come to life on the blank canvas is truly a joyful time.

How does your medium inform your viewpoint? What do you like most about your medium?
My medium of choice is oils. I love the vibrancy of colors you can achieve and oils provide better blending results due to the extended dry time they allow.

Who or what have been your artistic inspirations?
Pennsylvania wildlife artist Ned Smith inspired me very early on. I was thrilled to have my artwork in an exhibit at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in 2019.

Do you have a favorite piece in your portfolio?
Hard to pick a favorite. I have many favorites! Might be the one just completed, or something done years ago.

What would be your advice to artists just starting out in your medium?
Advice for artists just starting out in oils would be to enjoy the process of bringing things to life on a blank canvas. Don’t give up. Patience with learning techniques, brush and paint control will all come together as you learn what you are comfortable with and what works for you. Not every painting will be a masterpiece. But keep trying! Keep moving forward and stay motivated.