Some of her many awards include:

• 2001 Bartow’s Bloomin’ Arts Festival “Judges’ Choice Award”

• 2001 Arts Camden Fine Arts Show “Best in Show”

• 2002 Art Fest Fort Meyers “Award of Distinction”

• 2002 Isle of Eight Flags “Third Place (Painting)”

• 2002 Wildflower Festival of the Arts “First Place (Two Dimensional)”

• 2003 Isle of Eight Flags “Second Place (Painting)”

• 2004 Lake Mary-Heathrow Festival of the Arts “Second Place (Painting)”

• 2005 Venice Nokomis Art Festival “First Place (Painting”

• 2005 Mount Dora “Best of Category (Watercolor)”

At first glance, many assume Irene’s watercolor paintings are photos. They’re not. They are the culmination of many, many hours honing her craft and observing the world around her with an uncanny eye for detail as well as mood. Her unique style has garnered many awards over the years as well as capturing a loyal fan base.

Growing up along the rocky shores of Connecticut, Irene showed a keen interest in art at an early age. But, as often is the case, life got in the way. It wasn’t until much later, when her husband bought her watercolor paints and paper as a gift, that her life took an unexpected and exciting turn.

Now she creates in her riverfront home in coastal Georgia, dividing her time between painting, teaching and various charitable causes.