Drawing and painting are my passion........

and, whatever the motivation, passion is what drives the creative spirit. This passion - and the true beauty of the watercolor medium - are expressed, for me, in the washes; in the way that the paint explodes with color; in the transparency and texture that occurs when pigment is suspended within the natural vehicle of water. It is in the brushstrokes filled with intense, clean color and paint that suggests the strength and emotion of the subject.

I choose to execute my paintings in a realistic style. A realism that is anchored in observation and enhanced by mood..... mood that is designed to evoke rather than to simply narrate. I strive to paint with descriptive language and short sentences, to use a metaphor.

If there is a commonality to be found in my painting style, I must say that it would be a flair for the dramatic. I am always on the lookout for subject matter that will allow me to use dynamic color and bold light patterns in new and interesting ways. It is my intent to evoke an emotional response through the use of color and to make the painting sing! It is this love of drama that has led me to my current obsession with painting Italy. I am continually fascinated with the unexpected diversity, the unusual and the exotic. I am wild about the colors, the markets and (especially) the festivals. And though my subject matter is not limited to only painting with my Italian references, it is certainly a most perfect vehicle for creative expression! 

My actual painting process involves careful planning. I use photographs, on-site color sketches and journaling - most especially, journaling. I take care to journal the sights, sounds and smells.... I journal feelings, the atmosphere, my reactions and impressions.  As each painting can take two or more weeks from start to finish, the work is done in my studio. And while there is an abundance of social commentary in the art world, I believe that there must also be balance. The Ripple Theory maintains that whatever you put “out there”, expands. I am not interested in controversy, I much prefer harmony. Therefore, I choose compassion. I choose optimism and joy.... and I choose color, value, perspective and realism.