Biography
Growing up in New Orleans, I was inspired by the artists in the French Quarter and dreamed of being an one too. I took group lessons for a few years in high school and even had the opportunity to paint in Jackson Square. Although time passed and life took a different direction, I never forgot that dream. After my husband passed away unexpectedly from alcoholism, I started painting again. My uncle, Aris Koutroulis, a successful artist in New York, became a new source of inspiration and encouragement. When he passed away on the same day I got my first award, I knew I had to keep painting and continue the Koutroulis legacy.
My favorite subject has always been people, and children in particular, but my paintings strive to capture more than just a likeness. I look for what is unique and try to reflect that very essence or emotion. My play of light against dark is a expression of what is hidden coming to light. In many ways, the paintings are a reflection of who I am.
I have been accepted into multiple juried exhibitions and have won several awards. I am an active member of Visual Arts Alliance in addition to serving on the board. First and foremost, though, I am a Child of God and through my art I seek to glorify Him.
Exhibitions:
- 2021 – Conroe Art League, CAL National 2021
- 2020 – Visual Arts Alliance, 37th Juries Membership Exhibition
- 2017 – Visual Arts Alliance, 11th Juried Invitational Exhibition
- 2015 – Louisiana Arts & Artists’ Guild 46th Annual River Road Show
- 2015 – Visual Arts Alliance, 8th Juried Membership Exhibition
- 2015 – Visual Arts Alliance, 7th Juried Membership Exhibition
- 2013 – Visual Arts Alliance, 31st Juried Membership Exhibition
Awards:
- 2017 – Visual Arts Alliance, Third Place, Juror Lester Marks
- 2015 – Livingston Art League, Best of Show
- 2015 – Visual Arts Alliance, Honorable Mention. Juror Chris Highman
- 2014 – Tomball Art League, Best of Show
- 2013 – Visual Arts Alliance, Honorable Mention, Juror Harwood Taylor
Collections:
- Private Collections, New York, NY
- Private Collection, Atlanta, GA
- Private Collections, Houston, TX
Professional Affiliations:
- Visual Arts Alliance
- Conroe Art League
- Portrait Society of America
- Oil Painters of America
- Artists of Texas
Offices Held
- Vice President, Visual Arts Alliance (2021 – present)
- Member-at Large, Visual Arts Alliance (2018 – 2021)
- Chairman, Publicity + Community Relations, Visual Arts Alliance (2014 – 2018)
- Exhibition Chair, Lone Star Art Guild (2015 – 2016)
- Exhibition Chair, Tomball Art League (2012 – 2016)