Artist Statement

I read recently that if you love what you do, it is not work. Although I work hard at my painting, it seems as if I am always searching for ways to spend more time working at it.

Subject matter used to be my main inspiration; now painting is more about composition; the interplay of shapes, light and dark; and the effect of color. I paint what I know, have observed often, and is meaningful to me. Although I paint in a realistic style and with a lot of clarity, the lost or unclear areas of the work is what interest me most. Creating just the right interplay of color, shape, and texture in loosely defined areas is key to a successful work. Although I like a sharp vision, I find the more important decisions I make involve what to edit out, not what to paint in detail.

Lately I have been experimenting with limiting my palette and working a little faster to simplify the process and keep things a bit fresher. I try not to be tied to any parameters, whether I am painting outside or working from reference photos. I use my experience and observations to help me achieve the results I am looking for.

The joy of the creative process continues to inspire me. The challenge and excitement of painting come through the editing process. I love the fact that each work I create is unique and my vision alone. I want my viewers to share the fun and hope my paintings evoke memories, tweak imagination, and ultimately inspire all to keep looking.