Artist Statement

As an avid outdoors enthusiast and eager traveler, I look forward to adventures that lead me to interesting painting locations.  Hiking, kayaking, and camping all help me absorb what is around me. It is second nature for me to pick up a camera or paintbrush when I am spending time outdoors.

I love to paint outside, but most often will head to my studio and use photos to recall that moment, that feeling, that reason I wanted capture this image.

When I paint I try to convey what and why this is interesting to me. Many times it is an emotional connection, maybe nostalgia, isolation…. or a sense of awe in nature.  Natural light and the constant changing effect of this light create moments in time which are major inspirations to me. Light makes me look again, come closer, look beyond, or just sit and take it all in.  A small dot of yellow suggests a glimpse of sunlight; blues and purples become shadows. I love this about art! Images illicit different emotions in people for diverse reasons. We all bring our own internal voice . 

 Picasso said “ Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” I am a retired art teacher from Virginia Beach. I have always said that I learned as much from my students as they from me, and this remains true. I have grown up, but I am still learning, changing, adapting and creating.

I consider my artwork contemporary realism.  Realistic subject matter but then I try to figure out how to make it more than that. I often lean towards subtle (or not so subtle) abstraction by exploring various surface textures, enhanced or subdued lighting ,and color interpretations.