Artist Statement
My work always begins with a visual trigger that evokes a strong emotional response. It could be an intense gaze or tilt of the head offering a glimpse of a subject’s feelings that prompts me to paint a portrait. The process starts in my mind while talking to ...

Artist Statement
My work always begins with a visual trigger that evokes a strong emotional response. It could be an intense gaze or tilt of the head offering a glimpse of a subject’s feelings that prompts me to paint a portrait. The process starts in my mind while talking to the person as I’m tracing the lines of their mouths, shapes of their noses, the angle of the eyelids. Going beyond the obvious and painting the blues, greens and purples found among their warm skin tones while still achieving a likeness is a never ending challenge.

On the other hand, my series of surfers was inspired not only by the beauty of the ocean’s colors but by the interaction between man and nature. The surfers twisted, angular bodies juxtaposed against the flowing, moving waves create a natural abstract design that is pure joy to observe. Spending many hours on the beaches of California and Hawaii photographing the surfers becomes a kind of meditation, a spirituality I hope to pass along.

My latest series of blues musicians allowed me to further explore the connection between all artists and their muses. Capturing them in mid song I hope to allow the viewer to stop and share the singer’s moment of deep emotion and inspiration.

While my style is representational, I give it a contemporary touch by adding texture to the painting surface, using bold colors and contrast and leaving some areas of the painting less defined.

My latest pastels on sanded paper are mounted on stretcher frames like oil paintings and presented without mats in floater frames which adds to the modern feel.

If you can hear the music, feel the spray of the ocean or see a stranger with new eyes while viewing my work, I have achieved my goal. If you can hear your child’s laughter or your mother’s voice when looking at their portrait you commissioned me to paint, I am filled with inspiration and enthusiasm for the next piece.