My experience at the New York Studio School was the beginning of my becoming the artist that I am today. I came to the New York Studio School from California and the moment I walked in the door and up the historic staircase, I felt that I was in a place I always wanted to be in. My daily painting classes and evening critiques were rigorous and demanding, with a focus on problem solving. There were long hours of drawing in studios with students who became my close friends. My teachers, practicing artists themselves, were part of the New York art scene and they taught me the importance of staying focused on my artwork and how to evolve my drawing and painting style and technique to make it my own. By going to class every day and working harder than I thought I was capable of, and living in New York City, I learned the discipline, responsibility and commitment it takes to become an artist.