A BUCOLIC AUTUMN DAY   18" x 24"   WSKG PRICE: $125

The artist, a native of Keene New Hampshire, moved to Binghamton in 2003 to attend Graduate School at Binghamton University. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire. While she loves graphic design, her real passion lies within her love for painting and the arts in general. Tuininga began painting in watercolor about 16 years ago and evolved to other mediums including the Expressionist technique for which she is well known.

Since moving to Binghamton, she organized and participated in an employee art exhibit entitled "Passionate Pursuits After Hours" in conjunction with The Family & Children's Society's 65th Anniversary Open House held at Terracotta here in Binghamton. She has exhibited at: The Family & Children's Society, Nezuntoz, the KNOW Theatre,  and at River Muse. She also participated in a special event at The Mad Hatter on Clinton Street entitled "The Stars Come Out" which featured up and coming artists from the area. Most recently she was in the juried 2009 Rude and Bold Woman's Show.

Tuininga says painting is a "healthy obsession." Each piece "comes from her heart," evolving each and every time she lays paint upon the canvas. Her work has many faces often reflecting her interest in the blending of the Spanish/Native American cultures. At times it may reflect her own spirituality, or it may be whimsical which is indicative of her less serious side. The technique for which she is most noted is a combination of oil paint and cold wax, which allows her to build up the surface of the canvas, giving it a rich textural appearance. "I find that people cannot resist touching my paintings." The texture of paint and wax and the swirls of vibrant color enliven the viewer's spirit. The impressions left by her palette knife draw the eye and the mind into the heart of the painting.