At the age of 14 one of my teachers went to my parents and told them that I was very creative and that I should pursue my innate artistic talent. This led to private and group classes in the fine art style. While refining my talents in high school, I was accepted into the Fine Arts Academy in Philadelphia.

​

As life would have it, my interest in art had to be put on the back burner, as family issues took precedent. I put all of my art supplies and classes on hold for 45 years. In the interim I raised three wonderful daughters, started a window treatment business, went into the interior design field, flipped houses, bought & developed land parcels, but always kept with the natural creativity in my core.

​

After getting married and moving to the Chattanooga Tn. area for 18 years with my husband, Rich, I once again started an upscale interior boutique shop. While touring the state of Florida in 2013 looking for a second residence, we found Amelia Island. This Island spoke to me with its natural beauty and its magnificent colors. The sunsets over the marsh and sunrises over the ocean are breathtaking!

​

After moving here, the old Bernadette resurfaced and now my life has come full circle. The paints, brushes, and 50 year old canvases came out of storage. A brush in my hand feels right. It seems as though this is where I belong, painting sunsets of the marsh, birds, Mother Nature, and all of the glory that is here in the spectacular Island.

​

My mediums of choice at the present time are oils and acrylic. I keep going back to my roots, the old masters’ way of painting. My work can also be seen at the Blue Door Gallery.