February, 2025
Featured Artist

Being raised in Alaska’s remote wilderness gave me a tremendous passion for nature’s wilds. From my earliest years of living on the banks of a river in Willow, I have accumulated a lifetime of incredible experiences exploring the great northern parts of North America.

After moving to Oklahoma during my teen years, my artistic interests blossomed as I observed my beloved grandmother, Odessa, paint vibrant murals upon the walls of her home. As a tribute to my namesake and to her profound inspiration, I sign my paintings in honor of her with my first name, Odessa, and middle initial, D.

Having always been a dedicated shutterbug, initially I used my photographs as a guiding tool to capture scenes of beauty, which I’d then transform into creative imagery using oils on canvas. In the late 80s, I began to further hone my skills by devoting time to join in the circles of professional artists and art teachers, mastering classic styles and innovative techniques to accentuate my natural instincts as an artist in oils as well as pastel, watercolor, cold wax, encaustic, and acrylic mediums.

My art practice is a form of meditation and I always feel refreshed after a painting session. It brings me tremendous joy to walk into a gallery or room and see one of my paintings hanging. Of course, as most artists, I can always see something else I could have added or adjusted, knowing when to stop is a challenge!

In 2022 I moved to the Ojai Valley, then migrated to Goleta 2 years later. I have grown very fond of the community here in Santa Barbara County and have begun several new series. I proud to be a member of the Goleta Valley Art Association and Santa Barbra Art Association.