carlene simon I was raised and live in Las Vegas, Nevada. I started drawing and painting in my teens and took private lessons from a local artist. My grandmother was a doll collector and antique dealer and was always creating new arts and crafts. I inherited her love for working with my hands. I am retired from a career in mortgage financing and now enjoy my grown family and grandsons. We have a summer cabin in Utah where the scenery is beautiful and inspiring for any artist.