Daughter of California scene painter Charles F. Keck, I am a freelance writer as well as a visual artist.
Though intimidated by my father’s skill, I always enjoyed art and took some art classes in college, including one from (now, but not then)renowned artist Vija Celmins, where I met my husband. (We have been married 50 years.)
I was more interested in writing, however, and went into teaching, thinking that summers would give me time for my own work. After teaching elementary school for 18 years, I became restless and uncomfortable.
I longed for silence, and nothing helped, except painting. Small galleries included my paintings in shows after just six months of serious work. Then, I decided I needed to learn to draw. I waited in line at 4 AM every 10 weeks to register for uninstructed drawing groups at Barnsdall Art Center ( I know, we can’t spell properly here in the States) in Los Angeles.
Several dealers encouraged me and showed my work. In 1998, we moved to Colorado. I do not currently have a dealer, and I spend most of my time writing, but I do a few paintings a year, take a lot of pictures, and am experimenting with digital art.
