About Me

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As far back as seven years old, I can vividly remember always loving to draw but it was under the tutelage of famous impressionist artist, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz  that my formal art training began and with whom I began to develop my own style as an artist.  Though, at a point in time, raising my family had come to be the priority, I continued to nurture my passion for painting. 

I studied in Fall  of 1995 at the Art Center Pasadena, California  Before my one woman show in Glorietta 4, 2000. Maestro Federico Aguilar Alcuaz cut the Ribbon with Cocoy Cordoba. 

I delved into watercolors with water colorist & President of the Painters Club of the Philippines, Jes Garcia before my third son Daniel was Born in 1999.

I had my first one woman show on May 1, 2000.

Then in 2010, travelled to Aix Provence France to learn under the tutelage of Jill Steenhuis Ruffato, who mastered the Impressionism of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne. 

After my France sojourn, I joined The L'Arc en Ciel Atelier of Elaine Herbosa.  Where, I had the distinct pleasure of the company of other artists; mounting group exhibits under L'Arc en Ciel.

 Learning didn't stop so I continued my studies at the Art Students League of Manhattan, New York where I was mentored by some of the most reputable and established Artists:
Gregg Kreutz
Mary Beth Mckenzie
Sharon Sprung
Janet Cook
Garin Baker
Harvey Dinnerstein
Karen O’Niel
Robin Smith Dan Gheno

as recommended to me by well-known portrait artist, Mia Herbosa.
 In March 2018, I attended a portraiture workshop under Sharon Sprung( Art Students League, N.Y.) at the Florence Academy of Art, Italy.
  During this pandemic, I continue to be mentored by Mary Beth Mckenzie and Janet Cook. 

I prefer to work with oil-based paints.
When I paint, the process and theme are interrelated.
It covers the air we breathe and opens up my senses.   I begin with the sketch on paper, transfer this onto canvas with a paint brush or charcoal pencil . A prepared palette of colors is mixed from the lightest tones to the darkest  for the visual subject to transform itself to realism or Impressionism. 

My medium embodies the subject. It takes the form of my subject becoming the subject , and skin that covers it, from a non life to a living being , animal , foliage, land and sea. It covers the air we breath and opens my senses .

My Mother taught me how to hold a crayon. My sister taught me to hold a pencil. As I grew  up, I was taught in school  to hold a paint brush . 

Growing up I learned about Pablo Picasso because of his childlike images and paintings from school.  Another influence is the Artist who painted my Mothers’ portrait, Garcia Llamas. I’d wake up every morning staring at her portrait.  Then I pursued studies under Federico Aguilar Alcuaz in the late 80s and was inspired to learn Impressionism with his Tres Maria’s series. 

My zest for living keeps me going. Having my early morning walks to give me the energy to paint .  To be an example to my children that learning never stops at any point and to carry on with your passion. Mine would be painting . As Vincent Van Gogh said ” If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint',  then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. "