A portrait usually begins with charcoal and pastel on paper. Sometimes it ends there. Other times, the face calls out for more and so begins a painting. Fascinated as a child by optical illusions, I felt early a sense of energy in color, its vibrancy. I play with it. What happens when one color is placed next to another? What is the feeling? Is it exciting? Does it move me in some way? In the layering of paint, the underpainting seeps through giving it depth. Recently, I have taken to adding bits of paper, fabric, beads, or other objects to the acrylic paint.

I might start out with a model, but over time, the painting takes its own direction. “Hidden” people emerge, At times they are primitive, tribal, mystical, and even otherworldly. Often they reveal raw emotion. There is boldness and vulnerability in the beings that offer their visage for interpretation. That comes through in my work.

Having lived in cities since the late 90’s I find people-watching in cafes, train stations, restaurants, and museums quite fascinating. Working from photos or from an on-site sketch with watercolor pencils, I have recently started to capture some of these scenes.

There is pure freedom in my abstract work. Here I can simply express and experiment with endless possibilities of line, shape, design, and materials. There have been times in my life when the act of painting was healing. Maybe it will always be that way.

There is joy in the making of art and joy in the sharing of it, too.

If making art heals, can the viewing of it also heal? I have felt this standing in front of a piece of art in a museum or gallery. I sincerely hope that you are moved in some way by my work. Please contact me with any questions or comments.