My mission in life is to paint with freedom, no restrictions or rules.

I was born in the USA, East Chicago, Indiana. Formerly known as Darla A. Vickery, I have been a resident of Gresham, Oregon since 1979. I worked in the hospitality food service industry for over twenty- five years and also worked in the medical field (front & back office) at various specialties for approximately fifteen years. In 1998 I had a strong urge to paint, so I took a week’s vacation and went to a workshop at the Oregon Coast through Portland State University.

An award-winning artist taught me how to paint with watercolor and come up with something beautiful every time. I have since developed my own unique style. I use my imagination and intuition to lead me the way.

The art I am attempting to create is one that lets the viewer’s imagination take them where they long to be, an escape from reality.

It has been nine years since I took the workshop at Portland State University. I have since created 140 Mixed Media paintings on 22 x 30 hot compressed archival paper with more to come. I am grateful and very honored to have received the 2008 WHO’S WHO IN AMERICA recognition along with all the other awards, certificates and worldwide recognition I have received as well.

In addition to the above awards I have now received multiple publications for 2009 from Marquis Who’s Who. I am extremely grateful and so very honored to be recognized in Who’s Who of American Women 2008-2009, Who’s Who in America 2009 and Who’s Who in the World 2009.

Several people wanted to see what I could do with oil on canvas so I did a quick color study. The result "Arizona Sunset" is shown below. For myself I find watercolor with mixed-media to be more challenging and exciting.