Artistic Process

Beauty can be found anywhere but is often overlooked in the familiar. I seek to slow down and see those spaces that are taken for granted with new eyes. It usually starts with taking the time to walk around an area and explore. I love finding interesting intersections where man-made features and nature come together. I take numerous photographs on site, then sort through them in my studio and make decisions on what to paint. Landscapes that are seen in one’s everyday life take on new possibilities and beauty. 

I love variety to keep things fresh. From cities to farmland, large statement pieces to small studies. Each presents an opportunity to portray the hope and sense of peace we find encountering beauty. 

Next, canvases are prepped with a bright magenta or cadmium red undercoat of paint. Compositions are sketched out and painting begins. While I don’t paint in a realistic style, I do always work from photographs of real places and moments in time. My photographs are always before me while painting, and the longer I look at the photograph the more I see; hints of color that I emphasize, and details that bring interest to the subject. 

Colors are blended on my palette, not on my canvas. As much as possible I avoid layering paint, instead I fill in spaces bit by bit, often the sky coming last. I love seeing the small spots of my warm undercoat coming through and creating interest. As I work, I will step away and come back to the painting so I can see what needs more attention and what's working. When I feel I’m close to finishing, I will often have family members come in and give their opinion on what works and what maybe doesn't. After making any adjustments, I reach the point of finishing a piece.