Zin was raised on a ranch in Wolf Creek, Montana and received her first set of watercolor paints at age ten.  A summer class unleashed her enthusiasm for blending water and vibrant colors on paper.

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In 1969 she joined the American Red Cross, served in Vietnam for 13 months and was assigned to Heidelberg, Germany.  After her tour in Europe, she studied with various artists enhancing her fascination with the many elements of painting.

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Beginning with Southeast Asia and later pursuing water coloring in Europe, Zin developed a love for traveling that continues to this day, allowing her to collect exotic subjects from around the world.  She recently returned from Japan and will travel to Australia this fall to visit her daughter.

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Zin is passionate about painting and is self-taught.  She frequents galleries, participates in workshops and continues to challenge herself with various subject matter - painting portraits are a newfound interest.  During the past 35 years, she has developed and maintained five acres of gardens; a place of solace as well as endless inspiration.

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Zin is a retired librarian living near Snohomish, Washington.

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Artist's Statement:  "I believe natural instincts are deep, innate feelings.  Art is a way of capturing our response to feelings and emotions.  Instincts don't involve reason; they just happen.  Be curious and keep them alive!"