Inspiration

Painting allows me to pay attention to life, offering opportunities to express my experience of Earth-as-Heaven.  The process of recording reference material and translating my vision to canvas demands careful observation.  Some images seem to paint themselves while others require extended courtship.  A certain quality of light, and a subsequent sense of expansion or elevation, acts as my compass.  I know I’m witnessing at least one of my next pieces when I feel a shimmering radiating from my heart while gazing at a landscape, city scene or intriguing object.  Occasionally, I find a subject that I wish to investigate in depth, so I might plan various perspectives of it to thoroughly explore the colors and textures.  I discover new subjects by remaining alert to light/dark contrasts, atmospheric states or even a combination of interesting shapes. 

Expression

My propensity for painting smoothly leaves few visible brushstrokes.  This creates a sense of silence and sanctuary, giving viewers space to safely regain their inner silence.  Juxtaposing slightly lighter, darker or altogether different hues allows me to suggest movement where necessary. 

Influences

I derive ongoing inspiration from artists Maxfield Parrish, Henri Matisse, John Singer Sargent, James Abbott McNeil Whistler, Paul Gauguin, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Frida Kahlo, whose methods and sensibilities differed greatly.  Their work prompts me to honor my inner response and employ techniques that best express my sense-vision.  I know I’ve completed a piece when, turning it around to view each side's orientation, my original inner shimmer returns.