Artist's Statement

My life began in the Chicago suburb of Illinois, second of eight children.  As a child I created clothing for my dolls from old clothes.  I learned to knit & crochet from books.  Then I began sketching family members and creating murals on our bedroom walls with my older brother.  Our mother wasn’t always happy with our creativity on the newly painted walls.  My siblings and I also put on plays and shows for the neighborhood children in our basement with lights and sound effects.  Great fun.

I left Chicago in 1969 and moved to Sacramento, where I met John Reil.  We married in Oahu and then moved to Boise before moving to Carson City.  Carson’s been a wonderful location to raise my two sons Jerry and Johnny (Jingles) Reil.  Johnny was born in Carson City. 

In 1976 we moved from Koontz Lane to Pinion Hills in Carson City and lived across the street from Kathy Bevers.  Kathy is now Kathwren Jenkins, married to artist Gary Jenkins.  They have been traveling, teaching, developing their own line of art products, books and television shows. Kathy was an artist when we met and I began my first oil painting lessons with her.  Kathy introduced me to the Nevada Artist Association.

As I was beginning my interest in oil painting, Kathy introduced me to Bonnie Hightower.  Bonnie had opened Austin Arts located on the corner of Carson Street and Long Street.  I met Tina (Mund) Tyrrell at Austin Arts as she was beginning her teaching career.   I’ve enjoyed attending many art seminars at Austin Arts over the years and continue to attend Tina’s art classes.  

My dear friend Tina Tyrrell has kept me active in art over the years.  When I think I’m too busy working to enjoy my painting, Tina reminds me how happy I am when I’m  painting. 

John and I went our separate ways in 1988.   A mutual friend introduced my husband Jim Linebaugh and me in 1992.  Jim and I enjoy traveling and visiting our children and grandchildren. 

Recently I’ve begun painting family portraits.  I also enjoy painting landscapes with old ranch structures my husband Jim and I photograph in our travels.  Sometimes the beautiful flowers in our yard or the wildflowers inspire me.  I’ve painted in oils over the years and I am beginning to experiment more with watercolor, acrylic and pastels. 

I’ve recently joined the Nevada Artists Association and will be more active with my art now that I am retired.    Family and friends have the majority of my paintings in their homes.  To date I have not entered an art competition.  I have sold several paintings and have done a few commissioned paintings.