Born and raised in California, Lora later relocated to the “Valleys of the Umpqua” to raise her young family on their 100 acres cattle farm. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty, Lora began painting in the medium of oils. While taking classes from Dennis Porter at the Umpqua Valley Art Center, Lora heard of Richard McKinley. At that time, McKinley was instructing students in oil portraiture in Grants Passs OR. Every week, Lora made the trip to paint with Richard every week. One lesson was about pastel painting, so Lora came with her 12 sticks of pastels and began the wonderful time of learning together. Lora continued classes with Dennis Porter doing both oils and pastels. Meanwhile Porter recommended Lora as an adult instructor through Umpqua Community College.

At UCC, Lora went on to share her love of the medium of pastels with countless students. She later went on to form the Pastel Society of Oregon and served as president from 1987 until 2019. Recently, Lora retired, and the society now has become the Pastel Artists of Oregon. Lora is a member and has a scholarship in her name.

Lora has had the good fortune to attend workshop presented by artists such as Harley Brown, Daniel Green, Albert Handel, Anita Wolfe, Urania Christy Tarbet, Ned Muller, Ben Konis, Frank Fredericko, Doug Dawson, Foster Caddell, Barabara Jaenicke, Teresa Saia, Terri Ford, Mike Beeman and Barbara Benedetti Newton. Her art pieces have been entered into countless competitions and won best in show and many gold awards. Lora just received her Master Circle medallion IAPS award June 8, 2019 in Albuquerque, NM. Lora is a member and co-owner in the Gallery Northwest. Come into the gallery and view Lora’s latest masterpieces.