I was born in Grandville, Michigan and have lived in numerous parts of the country. I currently make my home in Owosso, Michigan with my husband, Michael.

As the daughter of artistic parents, I was introduced to creating art at an early age. My father, Bernard J. Tonning, was Chief Designer for American Seating Company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and designed furniture for churches throughout the country. I was only 8 years old when he died unexpectedly. As a professional artist, he instilled a love of art, which has remained with me throughout my life. I have never forgotten him or the fact that he melded his love of art with his need to work.

My mother, Johan, was a talented seamstress and raised 15 children. I paint using my maiden name as a tribute to my parents.

In the back of my mind, I always wanted to go to art school. It was not until I had a family of my own that I decided to follow my dream but my artwork remained a hobby until my two children were older. At that point I attended Lansing Community College in Michigan and found myself sharing classes with 19-year-olds. I explored various mediums such as watercolors, oils, pastels, airbrushing, printmaking and pottery. I graduated with a double major in Commercial Illustration and Fine Arts.

My schooling and commercial art background blends well with my porcelain pieces, allowing me to capture the fine details that make many of my pieces seem like photographs rather than paintings.

The artistic talents of my family have been passed down from generation to generation. Both of my children, Andrew & Katie were given the opportunity to china paint at a very young age. Whenever I was working on a project, I would give them a tile or plate to paint. (I still have these pieces on display in my studio.)

Katie will easily surpass my talent because she was given the opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of art and painting as a child, which led to her Fine Arts degree.

My son, Andrew, also shares this talent with his creative writings; several of them have been published along with his graphic illustrations.

Artist Statement

My desire is to teach and share my knowledge and love of art and china painting. As a traveling teacher, it affords me the chance to meet with those who share my passion. I now believe that once someone first smells the scent of Pure Clove and Balsam of Copabia oils used in this art form, they become as captivated as I have been for the past 25 years now.

China painting is a unique and rewarding art form. I have been china painting since 1980 and founded "The Porcelain Gallery" in 1988. I have also held numerous offices in various china-painting organizations.

In 2005 – 2007, I was President of the World Organization of China Painters (WOCP). As President, I organized and hosted the 2007 WOCP biennial convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

I have currently relocated back to Michigan (near Flint, Michigan) and will be setting up my new studio where I hope to resume teaching in the Spring of 2009. When I am not teaching in my studio, I will be teaching at various schools and clubs around the country.