Denise majored in Graphic Art at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. She worked as a Graphic Artist for advertising firms in Chicago and Colorado. Moving to Vancouver in 1993, watercolor has become her chosen medium. Her energetic and expressive watercolor paintings depict the grace and beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Denise paints by pouring, blowing, tilting and splattering pure pigment onto paper and letting the water mix, drip and separate the paint in unexpected ways. This technique creates energy and movement and also helps simplify the subject. She often cuts apart and weaves two similar paintings together which are known as "woven" paintings. 

As a signature member of the Southwest Washington Watercolor Society, Northwest Watercolor Society and Watercolor West,  Denise is an award winner and her work has been displayed in many shows.