Denise graduated with honors from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Illustration. She was a freelance illustrator for several years with the New York Times, Double Day Books, Harlequin Books, Avon Books and several other prominent publishing companies before finding her calling as a portrait artist.

Denise owes the success she has achieved in her career to the love and encouragement of her parents, and to the guidance and wisdom of her teacher John Frederick Murray. Denise studied with Mr. Murray for 11 years where she was trained in the classical and traditional manner of drawing and painting the figure.

In addition, she has taken workshops with John Howard Sanden, Max Ginsburg, Daniel Keyes, Kathy Anderson, Greg Kruetz, Robert Johnson, Ian Roberts, Lois Griffel, Cedric Egeli, Charles Miano & Romel de la Torre. Denise feels you can never stop learning. Each teacher has something to offer to add to her repertoire.

In her formal portraits, Denise is not satisfied with just capturing a likeness of the sitter; she feels you must also be able to recreate the spirit that emanates from within.

In her informal portraits, Denise is able to capture on canvas those fleeting and innocent moments of childhood for her clients to treasure for a lifetime.

Denise has won numerous awards throughout her career including the prestigious Thora M. Jensen award for Best Portrait in a national competition held at the Hudson Valley Art Show. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America, the Hecksher Museum of Art, and the Huntington Arts Council. For many years, Denise was a member of the Salmagundi Club, The Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, Nassau County Art League and The Suburban Art League.

For two figures in a 24 x 30 Informal Portrait, fees start at $2,500.00.

$400.00 for each additional figure.

Denise can customize the painting to fit in any space. The 24 x 30 painting when framed makes a beautiful presentation above a mantle or couch. For a larger painting than 24 x 30 there is an additional cost of $500.00. If a smaller painting is desired, the price would be less accordingly.

Single person Formal Portrait, prices are:

Head & shoulders, approximately 18 x 24 to 20 x 16—$3,500.00 for head & shoulders

Head & Shoulders with hands (approximately 24 x 18 to 30 x 24)—$4,500.00 to $5,500.00

3/4 length (approximately 36 x 24 to 40 x 30)—$8,500.00 to $10,000.00

Full length (approximately 60x40, or larger)—$12,000 to $18,000.00

Prices will vary on how complicated & involved the background is.

Approximately 14 x 11 pet portraits start at $850 for a single head & shoulders.

$1,500.00 for a 24 x 18 full length.