Essentially I am representational painter, with a real appreciation for the design aspects of abstract art. By emphasizing strong shape relationships and connecting bands of textural color, I am able to paint the natural world in two dimensional patterns while striving to create interesting three dimensional compositions. Andrew Wyeth, a realist who has influenced my work, painted very abstract watercolors that helped him explore the possibilities for unusual compositions. Like him, I value the drama of a strong composition, solid drawing, complex textures, and sumptuous, rich color while attempting to ground the painting’s design in essential, free form shapes. Past Masters who have shaped my artistic direction are: Joaquin Sorolla, John Singer Sargent, Richard Diebenkorn, and the California impressionists. Richard Schmidt is a contemporary painter whose instruction has contributed greatly to my ability to capture the light, intimacy, and subtle textures of the hidden landscapes.
        My painting method follows the tradition of the Barbizon School of early French Impressionists. A group of artists would set up their small, folding easels before dawn in order to capture the colors of the rising sun filtering through the trees. I usually paint on specially prepared 9” x 12” linen canvases. These plein air sketches are then taken to the studio where they become the inspiration for full size paintings. My focus here is design and subtle color combinations which amplify the sparkling light and textures that first attracted me       
        I have found painting landscapes in the field to be an adventure of the mind, spirit, and body. It is a record of a distinct moment in time that captures an emotional response to a physical reality. Nature is exciting, unforgiving, and always spiritually rewarding. I feel grateful to be able to share this natural beauty with fellow wanderers hoping to discover those special moments.