SHIFTING TO ABSTRACTION PRESENTS A PROCESS THAT I CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AS MY OWN UNIQUE VOICE ON CANVAS. WHILE THERE IS DRAFTSMANSHIP, THERE IS ALSO INSIGHT INTO A RANGE OF IMAGES, EMOTIONS, FLUID IDEAS, PAINT APPLICATION AND A TECHNIQUE THAT OPTIMIZES DISCOVERY FOR ME, THE PAINTER, AND FOR THE VIEWER. MOST NOTABLE ABSTRACT PAINTERS I HAVE STUDIED MOVED FROM REALISM TO ABSTRACTION. ON THIS NOTE, I HONOR THE FOUNDATION OF A CALCULATED APPROACH THAT ULTIMATELY REFLECTS INTENTIONS THAT PUSH THE LIMITS, ESPECIALLY WITH MY LARGE SCALE WORKS.

Florals emerge in a voice of abstraction, sustaining the idea of an image. Organic in form while pushing the limits to create interest that speaks to a visual and emotional experience and not merely the representation of a particular object of nature.

As much time as I spend outdoors, the landscape always calls. If one is aware, inspiration and nuances in nature are everywhere. Often this is simply recorded in my mind and later unfolds into an abstract landscape. Other times, I use photographic references while putting my own twist of color into the composition.

Intrigue of architectural elements of interiors as well as antiques and fine furniture fuel part of my attraction to painting interiors. The main intrigue, however is light. Light from a window or light from another element that evokes a mood. Decades ago, I discovered the art of Walter Gay. His rich paintings of European interiors influenced my push to render objects in an architectural space in a loose manner, not just merely in an illustrative manner. Color, form, brushwork & light speak to the interior while not being concerned with a realistic representation.

Observation of glassware somewhat parallels painting chandeliers and my interest of reflection, light, color and expression of objects in simplistic recognition. I strive to not just paint the image of a wine glass or bottle, but to paint it with color that I see in my own unique way. The Veuve series of paintings evolved from initially painting 2 pieces as thank you gifts to good friends who had gifted me with a case of Veuve for my 50th! The rest is history.

Why chandeliers? If only I had a sound answer to this question I get often. The truth is this was a fluke of observation. Drawn to the reflections, fragments of light, shapes and the sheer gracefulness of the fixtures I decided to not ignore the gentle nudge to paint them. Ten years after painting my first chandelier they are morphing into abstraction while still having cohesive draftsmanship of form.

Admittedly, I am a foodie! Always in search of the offbeat cool place when traveling and at home. Photographing extensively gives me references from which I can take artistic liberties and create my own version of culinary delights and narrative on the canvas.

Once a seafoodie, always a seafoodie! I have photographed countless seafood markets all over the world. The texture, glistening moisture, organics and form of everything from an oyster shell to a fish fascinate me. A subject I have painted as loose realism as well as abstraction.

Living in Colorado, hiking, snow shoeing & skiing spark ideas that are “out of bounds”. The skis offer a somewhat literal representation of the objects but in a playful graphic manner of color and pattern.

What’s not to like about cows? Especially when photographing them in a field with moo, moo, moo in the background. They are fat and boney all at the same time. Giving them personality with exuberant color amuses me. Dog paintings have largely been commissions.

Italy, ahhh, sigh….picture perfect beauty everywhere and endless subject matter and inspiration. True of many places in Europe, but living and studying art in Florence way back when makes this a special place for me. Each trip reveals a new discovery and sparks a new idea. Visiting Pompeii in 2015 moved me to paint the abstract image titled such and painted this immediately upon returning home. This is how true impulsive expression blossoms.

Pausing for a moment to observe & be mindful helps to find the beauty and simplicity of a singular object. My ideas are somewhat quirky and sometimes staged but they are a response to commonplace objects, iconic in nature.

The human form in itself is awe inspiring. My approach is rooted in classical drawing but now taking artistic liberties with the form in color, planes, texture and abstraction.

While working with an art coach, she challenged me to step away from “what I needed to produce for galleries” and allow myself freedom for an allotted amount of time to simply mix paint, move paint and with no regard for the outcome. The result was courage crosses. I cannot take credit for the name, it was my older sister who captured this thought from my paintings and it has resonated with many, whether courage in trying times or courage as a positive affirmation. Mainly they are color studies and mind freeing.

GICLEE PRINTS AVAILABLE.

In the midst of staying home and social distancing, a little comic relief from ART! I painted the TP 8 years ago as a commission for a client. Who knew I'd now be reacting to the fact that it is pure GOLD now! Enjoy and please email me for print orders. Overwhelmed by the response and very grateful. A portion of my profits will be donated to Jame Beard Foundation. Supporting the art of food!

Small works instill a freedom to change up my palette and paint without intentions of anything other than movement and placement of color. Many of my small works are developed into larger format canvases. The immediacy of this “exercise” invariably leads to the excitement of new directions. The fluidity of painting large is vastly different from working on small panels, whether they are studies or more developed pieces.

Inspired by photographs taken from global travels to beaches from Iceland to Amalfi and some less known locations, there is always a common theme of beach activities. Reading, sipping, watching, relaxing. Sunny and salty capturing a moment in time.

The Eiffel tower series sparks a return to exploring line drawings and works on paper. Especially adding collage to this. Am I a hoarder? No! Do I save memorabilia from travels that I might….incorporate into a piece of art, YES! This is par for the art course. Stay tuned for nudes and more!