A Wisconsin native, Cynthia's professional career began in graphic design and she has been employed in related areas of this field for 35 years. Struck by an overwhelming urge to paint in her 30s, she sought out mentors to learn the basics and provide inspiration. At roughly the same time, following another personal passion, Cynthia became a certified Master Gardener, volunteering her services throughout our community.

Cynthia paints in either oils or watercolor and is drawn to a wide variety of subject matter including botanical, figurative, still life and landscape. She has been in numerous juried shows, both national and regional. She teaches painting classes in the Madison area and is a signature member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America.

The Fiddleheads & Frogs Violin-

As a painter and Master Gardener, much of my work focuses on the natural world. When I was invited to paint a violin for this event, I wanted to create something that focused on my personal interests, but also related to the instrument. When fiddlehead ferns popped into my mind I couldn’t wait to get started.

My plan hatched to show unfurling fronds on the violin front and open ones on the back, along with a creature or two. After looking at my sketches, my daughter Erin, (a violin major at UW Stevens Point) suggested I add a few frogs. It was a perfect idea, as the handle of the bow is called a frog.

All flora and fauna are natives to our state. The fern is the Royal Fern, Osmunda Regalis, the small frog on the violin neck is the Northern Spring Peeper, Pseudacris crucifer and the larger frog is a Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica.

As a final note, our family spent four years intimately involved with the Wisconsin Youth Symphony when our daughter Erin was a member during high school. I can’t think of an organization I would rather support with my creative efforts. 

http://www.portalwisconsin.org/