As a Plein Air and Studio artist, I paint in natural surroundings and out in the open. I have always been inspired by nature and the peace within the wilderness. I travel around America to Paint oceans, rivers, snow scenes, tall aspens, sometimes with bison and elk all on the list of subject matter that I enjoy painting.
I wish to share the outdoor experience that I have had with nature and my interpretation as an artist with a representational impressionist point of view. I am painting the experience, not a reproduction of the view. I want to have the viewer want to step into the painting, look around the corner, look up at the aspens, feel the temperature of the day, sense a feeling of the time, hear the sounds of leaves and a the thunder of a distant storm. Through color harmony, pastel pigment, texture and edges, and with a strong concept, good design and composition, I convey this to the viewer and evoke some memories or desires. When viewers say, “I know where that is” or “I feel like I want to walk in there with the aspens” or “I wish I was there” that is a successful painting to me.
I studied Fine Art and Design and graduated with 2 BFAs one in Graphic Design the other in Illustration from Kent State University. I strive for painting with integrity and seeking the truth in subject matter, my painting designs are based on classical oil compositional painting styles with strong emphasis on composition and special attention to light, values and color theory. This contributes to paintings that make stronger emotional connection. “I wish to share the outdoor experience that I have had with nature and my interpretation as an artist with a representational impressionist point of view. I am painting the experience, not a reproduction of the view.”